Following French films' resurgence in Russia, spectators in Ukraine are showing renewed interest in Gallic cinema.
32 French films were released in Ukraine in 2005, for the majority released by Muscovite distributors. Nevertheless, independent Ukraine distributors are starting to acquire film rights from French exporters.
The most active of these distributors, Vadim Abramov (Creaworks), has just launched a festival of 14 French films, with the support of numerous local sponsors. With the low-key title of "Mainstream," the festival is touring simultaneously in the country's five major cities from February 23 through March 8.
A retrospective of films by or featuring Josiane Balasko is included in this program, with the actress/director traveling to Kiev – sponsored by Unifrance – between two stage performances, to present "The Ex Ex-Love of My Life," at the Ultramarine Cinema to a packed house. The film is slated for upcoming release in the territory.
Two other leading lights of the French film scene are also soon to travel to the capital of the Orange Revolution: Brigitte Roüan (for "Travaux, on sait quand ça commence..." ["Work"]) and Melvil Poupaud (for a presentation of his short films).
