Emergency Repairs Underway at the National Dovzhenko Film Studio
The National Oleksandr Dovzhenko Film Studio has launched emergency restoration work following missile attacks on June 2 and June 15, which damaged 18 buildings, including landmarks of science and technology history. The costume workshop suffered the heaviest losses, as it housed one of Ukraine’s largest collections of stage and cinematic attire.
Russian missile strikes on Kyiv caused significant destruction at the Dovzhenko Film Studio. The damaged structures include:
- The main filming pavilion, built in 1927–1928,
- Administrative and laboratory buildings,
- The Shchors building, which serves as a museum of the film factory,
- Service buildings and special effects workshops,
- A cafeteria, power plant, film archive, and dormitory.
The damage affected roofs, window frames, walls, and interior spaces. The attacks also destroyed parts of the utility infrastructure, including electrical, water, and sewage systems. Pavilion collectors, utility structures, and sections of the surrounding grounds were impacted as well. A fire that broke out at the studio following the June 15 attack added to the extent of the destruction.
At the time of the strikes, the studio held approximately 100,000 costumes and three million items of various clothing, some of which fortunately remain safe. The unique film archive and part of the costume collection survived intact. Restoring the studio is a crucial step for preserving cultural heritage and reviving filmmaking activity in Ukraine.
Why Restoring the Studio Matters
Rehabilitating the National Dovzhenko Film Studio is critically important not only for safeguarding cultural heritage but also for bolstering Ukraine’s film industry, which has already suffered major losses amid the war. With a long and storied history in Ukrainian cinema, the studio’s recovery could serve as a symbol of national resilience and renewal during this difficult period.
Authorities and cultural organizations are expected to pursue funding and resources to rebuild the damaged facilities.
The recent missile strikes have not only caused significant damage to the Dovzhenko Film Studio but also led to the destruction of Ukraine's largest costume collection. This loss highlights the broader impact of the conflict on cultural assets. For a deeper understanding of the extent of the destruction and its implications for Ukraine's artistic heritage, read more about the devastation of the costume collection.