It was originally intended to hold an international film festival in Myrhorod, a resort town known for its underground mineral waters. However, Myrhorod didn’t have a suitable venue so the event was relocated to Poltava. The main goal of the Poltava Film Festival is to promote the genre of documentary cinema. It is also designed to become a platform where up-and-coming filmmakers can meet established industry professionals and a place where viewers can meet film directors from different countries. The festival gives young Ukrainian filmmakers a unique opportunity to meet foreign colleagues and foster professional connections.
As the Poltava Film Festival is a joint Ukrainian-Icelandic initiative, the program of the inaugural festival included a selection of old and new Icelandic films as well as feature, short and documentary films made by Ukrainian filmmakers. The best films screened during the festival receive awards bestowed by a professional jury that includes established filmmakers from Ukraine and abroad.
According to the organizers, the festival aims to strengthen the status of Ukraine as a crossroads for historical international relations that opens future horizons for international friendships. It also introduces Ukrainian audiences to the unique and unusual culture of the Nordic counties with their ancient traditions and dynamic modern life. While the first edition focused on Icelandic cinema, the following festivals are going to feature films produced in different countries of Northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania.
Photo: mirgorodfilmfestival.org