Ukraine’s Cinemas to Screen ‘Moana’ and a New ‘Evil Dead’ Film on July 9

New Film Releases in Ukraine on July 9, 2026

According to Главком: On July 9, 2026, Ukrainian movie theaters will launch several new films, including:

• the live-action feature 'Moana,' an adaptation of Disney’s 2016 animated classic;
• the horror movie 'Evil Dead Burn';
• the French crime comedy 'Murder on the Third Floor.'

Additionally, a retrospective of Paolo Sorrentino’s films will be shown in multiple cities across Ukraine. This event highlights the country’s growing engagement with international cinema.

Film Overview

'Moana' is expected to be one of the summer’s major releases. Directed by Thomas Kail, the film stars Catherine Laga’aia, Dwayne Johnson, John Tui, Frankie Adams, Rena Owen, and Jemaine Clement. Johnson not only plays the demigod Maui but also serves as a producer through his company Seven Bucks Productions. Filming took place in the United States, specifically in Atlanta and Hawaii, with principal photography running from July to November 2024. The cinematographer is Oscar Faura, and visual effects were handled by Bill Westenhofer, an Academy Award winner for 'Life of Pi.' The composers are Mark Mancina and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Director Thomas Kail stated:

“The goal is not to replace the animated film, but to create a cinematic companion to it.”

'Evil Dead Burn' marks the sixth installment in the Evil Dead franchise. It is the third standalone project in the series, following the 2013 remake 'Evil Dead' and the 2023 film 'Evil Dead Rise.' Sebastian Vaniček directed the movie, with Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, and Bruce Campbell among the producers. Sohaila Yakub plays the lead role of Alice. Filming occurred in New Zealand. Vaniček noted:

“I wanted to make one of the most brutal films in the series.”

'Murder on the Third Floor,' a French crime comedy, was directed by Rémi Bezançon. The cast includes Gilles Lellouche, Laetitia Casta, Guillaume Gallienne, Isabelle Aimé Gonzalez-Sola, Katarzyna Latif, and Matthias Jacquin. The film had its world premiere at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, and its wide French release began on March 11, 2026.

Furthermore, a retrospective of Paolo Sorrentino’s work will launch in Ukraine, featuring 'The Great Beauty,' 'Youth,' and 'Grace.' This series starts on July 9, 2026, at selected cinemas in Kyiv, Dnipro, Lviv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi. It is organized by the Italian Embassy in Ukraine, the Italian Cultural Institute in Ukraine, and the film company Arthouse Traffic. 'The Great Beauty' won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2014, while 'Youth' competed in the main lineup at the Cannes Film Festival. 'Grace,' released in 2025, opened the 82nd Venice Film Festival.

In summary, July 9, 2026, offers Ukrainian audiences a diverse slate of new films, ranging from adaptations of beloved stories to original works. These premieres, featuring contributions from both international and Ukrainian filmmakers, underscore the country’s vibrant cultural scene and its increasing enthusiasm for cinema. The Paolo Sorrentino retrospective will further enrich viewers’ cinematic experience, providing a chance to explore the acclaimed Italian director’s notable films.

As the excitement builds for the upcoming releases, it's worth noting the diverse lineup of films set to hit Ukrainian theaters in the near future. For a glimpse into what audiences can expect next summer, check out the details of last year's cinematic offerings, featuring popular titles like the latest film releases in Ukraine that captivated viewers and showcased a variety of genres.