Description
This short film programme dives into the dark side of Ukrainian animation. Always experimenting with form and genre, Ukrainian animation artists drew inspiration from folklore, everyday reality and the European avant-garde. The result is a grotesque mix of horror, absurdism and black humour, reflecting the fears and struggles of everyday life in 1990s Ukraine.
The programme will be introduced by film scholar and curator Jana Riemann.
The restoration of the films was made possible by Warwick Soar (South African creative producer, technical operator and maker) and the program curator Jana Riemann.
The screening is presented in partnership with the Dovzhenko Center and with the support of the Ukrainian State Film Agency (Derzhkino).
Partner
Films in this programme
Castling (An Aquarium Confession) / Рокіровка (сповідь із акваріуму)
Yevhen Syvokin · Ukrainian SSR · 1979 · 7'
One decent citizen was having lunch and indifferently looking at the fish in his aquarium. But suddenly a real monster emerged from the muddy water. However, unwillingness to strain even to save his own life led the hero to slavery. Or maybe nothing has really changed in his life?
The Bully Goat / Коза-дереза
Iryna Smyrnova · Ukraine · 1995 · 8'
A farmer buys a deceitful goat at the market. The goat tricks the owner into turning against his own family before her schemes ultimately backfire on her.
Love and Death of the Ordinary Potato / Любов та смерть картоплі звичайної
Natalia Marchenkova · Ukrainian SSR · 1990 · 9'
The life story of a potato, which was born in one of the fields and then was taken to the city along with her other counterparts. Once in the apartment, she oversees the life and atmosphere of the new place. The potato meets a knife and falls in love with him at first sight…
Fright-Muzzles / Страстi-мордастi
Valerii Konopliov, Volodymyr Honcharov, Vadym Tiuriaiev, Oleksandr Bubnov · Ukrainian SSR · 1991 · 10'
Three short animated "horror" miniatures. The first is about a piece of meat, which in ordinary Soviet cuisine is chased by hands, wanting to make minced meat out of it. The second is about a guest from unknown worlds who came to Earth at night. The third is about Kolobok trying to devour starving animals on its way.
Yulia's Birthday / День народження Юлії
Natalia Marchenkova · Ukraine · 1994 · 15'
Julia's fiancé died tragically. Having grieved a little, Julia decided to get married again. But the dead bridegroom returned for Julia's soul. In order to save her soul, the girl had to go to the other world.
Clinic / Клініка
Oleksandr Bubnov · France, Ukraine · 1993 · 13'
Have you ever been haunted by terrible nightmares about doctors? All the evil spirits led by Viy the radiologist and all the worst from the field of medicine await you in the animation "Clinic".
Scary Stories / Лякалки-жахалки
Natalia Chernysheva, Natalia Marchenkova, Oleksandr Hunkovskyi · Ukraine · 1993 · 10'
A collection of miniatures: "Mommy Rozonka and Minechka", "Masters of Words" and "Made in Japan".
Bluebeard's Last Wife / Остання дружина Синьої Бороди
Oleksandr Bubnov · France, Ukraine · 1996 · 13'
A new version of the famous story about Bluebeard. Two characters - killers from different eras, from different myths - decide to start a family. Who will win in a deadly duel? Another attempt to get married will be the last for the hero…
Curated by
Jana Riemann
Screenings