World Premiere of “Dovzhenko. The Legend of Ukrainian Cinema” Sells Out at Tallinn Film Festival

The world premiere of the feature film Dovzhenko. The First Glance took place at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, filling the theater to capacity and drawing international attention to the history of Ukrainian cinema. 

The Gaze reports this, referring to the Ukrainian State Film Agency.

The film, directed by Kostyantyn Konovalov, transports viewers to the early days of Ukrainian cinema, when art became an act of resistance. The story highlights the courage of an artist to remain free, to create despite pressure and fear, refusing to be the voice of the system and choosing instead to become the voice of the nation.

Producer Hanna Docheva emphasized that the film was made during a full-scale war, but it is precisely in such challenging times that it is important to share with the world the strength of the Ukrainian spirit and the artists who created freedom even under dangerous circumstances.

The film is the first feature film about Oleksandr Dovzhenko, who laid the foundation of Ukrainian cinema and influenced the development of world cinema. 

“We are proud that the world premiere took place in Tallinn — at a festival that supports bold artistic expression and amplifies the voice of Ukrainian cinema globally,” Docheva noted. “We believe that this story about art, dignity, and freedom will resonate with audiences in any country.”

The Ukrainian premiere is scheduled for 2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Dovzhenko’s first film, when the movie will be released nationwide, offering audiences a fresh perspective on Ukraine’s cultural heritage.

Oleksandr Dovzhenko (1894–1956) was a prominent Ukrainian director, screenwriter, and writer, recognized as one of the pioneers of both Ukrainian and world cinema. His work combined national themes with innovative cinematic approaches, allowing his films to gain international recognition and influence the development of global filmmaking. 

Dovzhenko worked during a challenging historical period, creating cinema that reflected Ukraine’s cultural and social identity while also impacting artistic trends across Europe and beyond.

Among his most famous works are Earth (1930), Arsenal (1929), and Shchors (1939). Earth in particular became an iconic silent film that influenced European and American directors with its poetic imagery, innovative editing, and profound symbolism. Dovzhenko’s films demonstrated how local narratives and national culture could achieve a universal artistic and emotional resonance for international audiences.

Film critics and directors have drawn inspiration from his editing techniques, camera work, and poetic visual style. In his honor, the Dovzhenko Film Studio was established in Kyiv, becoming a symbol of Ukrainian cinema and a hub for cultural and creative revival. Over the years, the studio has continued to foster Ukrainian filmmakers and preserve the country’s cinematic heritage, even in the face of ongoing challenges. 

Most recently, on July 31, 2025, a large-scale Russian missile strike caused significant damage to the studio, shattering nearly 90 windows and damaging production facilities and parts of its hotel complex. Despite these attacks, the studio remains operational, demonstrating the resilience of Ukrainian culture and the enduring legacy of Oleksandr Dovzhenko for both the nation and international audiences.

Read more on The Gaze: Ukrainian Cinema: 9 Must-Watch Films That Define a Nation’s Spirit