Ukraine is delighted to become a part of the 11th edition of the KICFF Film Festival in Kolkata (January 22-28, 2025), presented by Shishu Kishore Akademi affiliated with the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of West Bengal.
During the festival, Ukraine was represented by two animated children's films created by Ukrainian KARANDASH Animation Studio:
Screenings were held at Sisir Mancha Auditorium, Rabindra Okakura Bhavan, and Nandan 3.
On January 27, 2025, Olena Ilchuk, Third Secretary of the Embassy, participated in the inaugural screening of a Ukrainian film at the festival. On behalf of the Embassy of Ukraine in India, she expressed gratitude to the organizers and highlighted the difficult realities faced by Ukrainian children due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine:
“In Ukraine, every child, without exception, is deprived of their carefree childhood. Many of our children have lost their homes, schools, their parents, and even their lives. Before we immerse ourselves in the magic world and remember what it was like to be a carefree child, I want to bring this touch of reality. The responsibility of every conscientious adult is to reflect on the kind of world they will leave for future generations”.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Shishu Kishore Akademi and personally Secretary Mandakranta Mahalanabis and Mr. Koushik Chowdhury for their warmth, hospitality, and support in promoting Ukrainian cinema. Special thanks to the CEO of the KARANDASH Animation Studio Mr. Dmytro Belinski and the Bidding Producer Ms. Inna Pugachenkova.
We were delighted to be a part of KICFF 2025 and look forward to the 12th edition next year!