How to watch it: Ukrainian cinema of independence

This book is a guide to Ukrainian cinema with an analysis of 34 films, lists of recommendations, and exclusive testimonies of directors, producers, actors, and crew members who make up our film industry.

Film critic Yurii Samusenko tells the most interesting things about the path cinema has taken during our independence. The focus is on 34 Ukrainian films created between 1991 and 2025. Among them are both completely forgotten and winners of the most prestigious world film festivals, including the first Oscar in history.

The author conducted several dozen exclusive interviews and collected unique testimonies of crew members: from directors, producers, and actors to casting directors, production designers, and cameramen, where they tell from the inside how a particular film was created.

Also added is a list of over a hundred Ukrainian films, with which you can start or continue your acquaintance with Ukrainian cinema.

“How to Watch It: Ukrainian Cinema of Independence” is a navigation through Ukrainian cinema that will help you understand it better, and therefore love it more. For the widest possible circle of readers and viewers.