Ukrainian cinema is not just about the big premieres that everyone is talking about. Among the releases of recent years there are films that deserve attention but may have slipped past viewers due to limited theatrical runs, a festival circuit, or competition with major foreign premieres. The Styler editorial team (a project of RBC-Ukraine), together with MEGOGO, has put together five such films that suit different moods and an evening of viewing. Below is a breakdown of each: from documentary stories about the strength of the human spirit to a biographical drama and a tragicomedy.
Documentary cinema about the limits of human capability
"Second Breath" is a documentary by Masha Kondakova about Ukrainian soldiers who, after severe injuries, set out to conquer Kilimanjaro. The protagonists live with prosthetics, return to an active life, and take on a challenge that demands more than physical endurance. The camera follows them on a demanding expedition where every step becomes part of a personal journey. According to the authors of the selection, this story is distinguished by its sincerity, a powerful atmosphere, and a sense of inner freedom, with the climax arriving at the moment the ascent of one of the world's highest peaks begins.
In the same documentary vein but with a different mood is "Cuba & Alaska" by Yehor Troyanovsky — the story of paramedics Yulia Sidorova and Oksana Lysytska, who work on the front line and save lives. A significant portion of the footage was shot on phones and GoPros, so the directorial work brings the viewer as close as possible to the daily reality of the heroines: danger, black humor, friendship, and exhaustion exist side by side. The plot kicks in as war increasingly distances the friends from their former lives, and the lively atmosphere makes the film one of the strongest options to watch.
A light adventure and a cozy movie night
"Noble Vagrants" is an adventure comedy by Oleksandr Berezan about the Lviv vagrants Boda and Myrko, who love adventures, jokes, and a carefree life. Their usual company, songs, and exploits create the light mood of pre-war Lviv, while the plot moves forward thanks to the heroes' constant ability to land in new trouble. The visual style, urban locations, and music give the film a distinct charm, and an unexpected twist — the need to take in a young Khrysta — makes it a great choice for a cozy movie night.
A biography that became a drama
"Another Franko" is a biographical drama about Petro Franko, the son of Ivan Franko, whose life combined science, the military, teaching, and involvement in founding Plast. The cast includes Vyacheslav Dovzhenko, Akhtem Seitablaev, Natallia Levchenko, and other Ukrainian actors. The story transports the viewer to Lviv in 1941 and begins with the appearance in the Franko household of Petro's long-time friend, Andrii Hryshchuk. It is here that personal memories, old feelings, and history converge at a single point, turning the biography into a tense drama.
A tragicomedy without an antagonist
"Who Do You Need There? A Tragicomedy with One Person" is a documentary-comedy project about Andrii Bedniakov and his personal theatrical story. At its center are tours across Ukraine, memories of Mariupol, self-irony, and an attempt to speak with the audience without distance. There is no classic antagonist here: the main conflict arises between a painful past, the stage, and the desire to move forward. The plot begins when a solo performance turns into a very personal conversation with the audience, and the unusual format, humor, and deep meaning make the film worth revisiting.
Why this list is worth saving
All five films show just how varied modern Ukrainian filmmaking can be: from documentary stories about the strength of the human spirit to a Lviv adventure, a biographical drama, and a tragicomedy. The selection is aimed at evening viewing and covers several genres and moods, making it convenient to use as a ready-made script for a movie night. The source is the entertainment project Styler from RBC-Ukraine, which combines entertainment and lifestyle.
