On June 18, 2025, a meeting of the Public Council under the State Agency of Ukraine for Film Affairs (hereinafter – the Public Council) was held via videoconference. The meeting was attended by 11 council members and the newly appointed Head of the State Film Agency, Andriy Osipov. The main topics of discussion included personnel changes, the strategic direction of the agency’s leadership, and the development of mechanisms to optimize cooperation with the advisory body.

1. Personnel Changes in the Public Council

The first agenda item was the formal confirmation of Vitaliy Sheremetyev’s resignation, a representative of the NGO “Nareshti,” from the council. The majority decision was unequivocal — to support the statement and officially exclude Mr. Sheremetyev from the council.

2. Strategic Direction under Andriy Osipov: Challenges and Priorities of the State Film Agency

Head of the State Film Agency Andriy Osipov outlined the priorities shaping the development of national cinematography amid complex political and economic circumstances. His address was marked by clear analysis of key challenges and a call for constructive collaboration.

• Role of the Public Council: Mr. Osipov emphasized that the Public Council should serve not only as an advisory body but also as a platform for open, substantive discussions that facilitate balanced decision-making.
• Financial Challenges: The agency head stressed that the primary obstacle to the film industry’s development is project funding delays, which due to bureaucratic barriers can reach up to six months, causing industry downtime. He also announced ongoing efforts to increase the agency’s budget, including an additional UAH 200 million in 2026 aimed at supporting sectors currently in crisis.
• Balancing Democratic Governance and Efficiency: Mr. Osipov highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency and inclusivity in the Public Council’s work, while ensuring clear managerial control to prevent chaos or conflicts.
• Support for Competitive Selection and Pitching: He urged council members to back the 20th competitive selection process, drawing attention to unresolved issues regarding contract signings with winners of previous pitches due to restrictive measures.

3. Transparency, Film Education, and Talent Pool Development

Public Council member Oleksandr Kovalenko emphasized the need for systemic transparency, proposing that all proposals from public organizations be published on the official State Film Agency website.

He also identified the outflow of qualified personnel from film education as a significant challenge, proposing the launch of grant programs for youth and reforms in educational initiatives.

These ideas were endorsed by Andriy Osipov, who noted ongoing modernization of the agency’s information portal and plans to involve leading experts in developing and reviewing educational programs. The meeting concluded with an agreement to organize dedicated roundtables to develop strategies for retaining and developing professional talent.

4. Preservation of National Film Heritage

Volodymyr Avramenko, Director of the State Enterprise “Ukrkinokhronika” and Public Council member, stressed the threats facing national film heritage, including Ukrchronika and state studios such as the O. Dovzhenko Film Studio.

A critical issue is copyright protection and combating piracy, which is exacerbated by the use of archival materials in products from the aggressor state and unrestricted access on YouTube. He underscored the necessity of in-depth scientific research, monitoring, and international cooperation to safeguard Ukraine’s cultural heritage.

Andriy Osipov supported this position, promising a thorough analysis of the situation surrounding the studio and the National Cinematheque, with regular public updates. Meanwhile, efforts to establish effective functioning of these institutions are ongoing.

5. Support for the Animation Industry

Olena Holubeva highlighted the critical state of the animation sector, traditionally underfunded despite its significant potential for development and cultural impact. She stressed the need not only for financial support but also for creating conditions to retain and nurture talented artists domestically.

The Head of the State Film Agency fully agreed with this position, announcing the inclusion of animation as a priority in the 2026 budget.

6. Development of International Co-productions

Iryna Stroyko raised the issue of intensifying international co-productions, which are vital for integrating Ukrainian cinema into the global market. She emphasized the importance of systematic support and coordination by state institutions.

In response, Mr. Osipov noted preliminary agreements with the French CNC and the Solidarity Fund, as well as successful collaborations with Netflix in development and financing. He also mentioned that this area is under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, ensuring proper management of these processes.

7. Financial Discipline and Transparency

Public Council member and co-founder of the Ukrainian Media League, Tetyana Ilchuk, expressed the need to increase the agency’s transparency and actively involve council members in developing strategic documents and concepts. She proposed forming working groups with council experts to comprehensively discuss key topics.

Yurii Artemenko supported this initiative, adding that communication between the public and government bodies should be strengthened through official statements reflecting the professional community’s positions and recommendations. The Head of the State Film Agency agreed with this approach, pledging to involve Public Council experts in working groups and to ensure timely provision of documents for review.

Serhii Siomkin highlighted the issue of accumulating financial debts in the film industry, calling for independent investigations and accountability. He also emphasized the need to develop and implement a transparent methodology for evaluating the cost of audiovisual products, which would enhance the State Film Agency’s efficiency.

Conclusion

The Public Council meeting on June 18, 2025, was marked by deep analytical discussion and constructive dialogue between the professional community and state leadership. Systemic challenges identified — funding delays, workforce shortages, threats to film heritage preservation, the need to modernize film education, and support for animation — require coordinated action.

The newly appointed Head of the State Film Agency, Andriy Osipov, demonstrates commitment to transparency, efficiency, and partnership with the public, laying the groundwork for the sustainable development of Ukraine’s film industry. The next step is to translate these ambitions into concrete practical solutions.

The full minutes of the Public Council meeting on June 18, 2025, are available on the official State Film Agency website.

 

Use of materials from this site is permitted only with reference (for online publications — a hyperlink) to the “Ukrainian Media League.”