Nikita Hibalenko’s ‘Camouflage’ Wins Top Prize at Kyiv’s 55th Molodist Film Festival

A Celebration of Cinema: The 55th Molodist International Film Festival Awards in Kyiv

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: On October 31, Kyiv hosted the awards ceremony for the 55th Molodist International Film Festival, a prestigious event spotlighting emerging filmmakers. The festival’s highest honor, the Grand Prix, was awarded to director Nikita Hibalenko’s film Camouflage. The story begins in 2021, following the protagonist’s journey from Ukraine to Munich. Along with the coveted "Scythian Deer" statuette, the Grand Prix winner received a monetary prize.

Festival Winners Across Categories

Molodist recognized outstanding works in several competition sections:

• Best Feature Film (International Competition): Filipiniana by Rafael Manuel, a co-production involving the Philippines, Singapore, the UK, the Netherlands, and France. The winner was honored with the "Scythian Deer" award and a $2,000 cash prize.
• Best Short Film: Diego by Melissa Silvera from France, awarded the "Scythian Deer" statuette and $2,000.
• Best Student Film: Reminiscence by Irina Melnychenko from Switzerland, also receiving the "Scythian Deer" and a $2,000 prize.
• Best Documentary: War Has No Children by Dmytro Todoriuk, honored with the "Scythian Deer" and $2,000.
• National Competition Award: Open World by Roman Khimey and Yarema Malashchuk, rewarded with the "Scythian Deer" and 100,000 hryvnias.

Special distinctions were granted to several films:

• Fuel in the Veins by Pierre Le Gall (International Competition)
• Silence by Pavlo Shpehun (Short Film Competition)
• Until Tomorrow by Ye Jiachen (Student Competition)
• Look, You Did It by Izabela Grace Con (Documentary Competition)
• HOME TV by Sofia Hera and Fig by Novruz Hikmet (National Competition)

The Ukrainian Film Critics Association jury awarded a diploma for Best Film in the National Competition to Bratchyk by Khrystyna Braslavska. Open World by Roman Khimey and Yarema Malashchuk also received a special mention. Legendary Ukrainian actress Ada Rohovtseva was honored with the honorary "Scythian Deer" for her significant contributions to Ukrainian cinema.

The Audience Award, accompanied by the "Scythian Deer," went to Stateless directed by Kai Stänicke from Germany and Switzerland. In the Teen Screen contest, Alan Deberton’s Like a Kite from Brazil earned the "Scythian Deer" and a $2,000 prize. Actress Lisa Vangemelreik received a special mention for best female performance in All These Sorrys Around. Cinematographer Ángel Jara Taboada was recognized for outstanding visual craftsmanship in the film Newbies, a Mexico-Spain co-production.

Founded in 1970, the Molodist International Film Festival is Ukraine’s leading platform for debut filmmakers and holds official accreditation from FIAPF. The festival’s General Director is Andriy Khalpakhchi. The 2023 International Competition jury was chaired by renowned filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, with members including Mattias Walter Knol, Mahnaz Mohammadi, Yevhen Lavrenchuk, and Anita Uzulniece. The National Competition jury featured Vyacheslav Turianitsa, Radek Lipka, and Xavier Henri-Rachid.

Molodist continues to serve as an essential venue for emerging cinematic voices, showcasing both Ukrainian and international talents. The success of the awarded films reflects a growing global interest in Ukrainian cinema and highlights the festival’s role amid contemporary social and political challenges. By fostering collaboration and exchange among artists from diverse backgrounds, Molodist strengthens the global filmmaking community and supports the ongoing development of the art form.