Trump’s Chaos Throws Ukraine Film Industry Into Turmoil

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Film.UA, a significant film production company from Ukraine, had scheduled “Puppies,” an unusual comedy about a woman whose lovers transform into dogs due to a peculiar curse, for release in late February. There was much anticipation that this movie would perform well at the box office, given that two of their previous comedies made over $1 million within the country last year. This is notable because Ukraine is still grappling with the ongoing effects of the Russian invasion and war.

The forecast didn’t account for the aftermath of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s contentious White House visit over the weekend. During this meeting, Trump and VP J.D. Vance tried to pressure Zelenskyy to negotiate with Russia or risk losing U.S. backing. This confrontation fueled mounting anxiety in Ukraine that the Trump administration might desert its traditional ally. Contrary to expectations, “Puppies” flopped upon release, not with a loud noise, but a soft whimper.

Film.UA CEO Victoria Yarmoshchuk noted a significant drop in admissions compared to previous weekends, attributing it to the tumultuous second term of the Trump administration. She explained that this period, marked by global market instability and changes in U.S. foreign policy, has left many yearning for the consistency of the past. Yarmoshchuk further stated that unforeseen events like the power struggle in the Oval Office or Trump’s erratic tariff policies have only added to this confusion within a country and an industry seeking stability.

Yarmoshchuk states that the current upheaval leads to a significant amount of doubt. Predicting audience numbers for a movie or television show becomes challenging, making the market more vulnerable. During uncertain times, people often prioritize their everyday lives over entertainment.

Over the past three years, Russia’s extensive military invasion of Ukraine has shown no signs of abating. In late April, President Trump once more criticized his Ukrainian counterpart on social media, stating that President Zelenskyy could either secure peace or continue fighting for another three years and potentially lose the entire country. This statement came after President Zelenskyy declined a U.S. peace proposal that appeared to heavily favor Russia. A ceasefire brokered by the Kremlin in early May quickly fell apart, leading Ukrainian officials to denounce it as “a farce.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed that the world cinema market is experiencing a turbulent journey on a global scale. Inflation and production costs are skyrocketing, making things challenging. Fortunately, our European partners have been incredibly supportive in these trying times, not just for the struggling Ukrainian film industries but also for humanitarian aid efforts following Russia’s full-scale invasion. Now, they’re working diligently to expand and boost their assistance, as shared by Darya Bassel from Kyiv-based Moon Man Productions, who produced the Oscar-nominated “A House Made of Splinters.

Despite the generous assistance provided earlier, it’s becoming harder to come by due to escalating economic and political instability, as Bassel points out. “Budgets are being reduced in many funds,” he says. “Opportunities are becoming scarce.” Oleksandr Bohutskyi, CEO of Starlight Media, concurs, expressing gratitude for the support received during the initial stages of conflict but lamenting that the help is now dwindling.

At the 2023 European Film Market, the European Solidarity Fund for Ukrainian Films was introduced, serving as Bassel’s only viable option for securing substantial financing for films. The fund, which boosted its budget to €1.5 million ($1.7 million) last year, has already backed 37 Ukrainian projects. However, Bassel emphasizes that this support is not sufficient to sustain the entire film industry in Ukraine.

The producer, collaborating with Vivement Lundi! (France) and a_BAHN (Luxembourg) on the combined animated documentary “Red Zone,” expresses her intention to expand partnerships with European broadcasters and international/European funds to compensate for a domestic funding gap. Eugene Rachkovsky, a producer at Ukrainian film collective Tabor whose premiere at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, “Militantropos,” is a collaboration with Austria’s Mischief Films and France’s Les Valseurs, emphasizes that the Ukrainian industry maintains strong backing from European countries. As Europe continues to stand by Ukraine, it appears that the U.S. is growing more distant.

Despite Ukraine’s efforts to join the EU encountering delays, European leaders remain committed to backing their military struggle. In December, Ukraine was fully integrated into the Creative Europe Media initiative as well, a program funded by the EU that assists in creating, distributing, and promoting European media content.

It’s yet unclear how this support will impact the struggling film industries of the country, given that cultural expenditure is decreasing throughout the continent.

In Ukraine, home financing has significantly decreased since the invasion, as most government funds have been redirected towards war expenses. The Ukrainian State Film Agency, a separate organization that has faced controversy lately, is currently in the process of coming under the jurisdiction of the culture ministry. At this moment, the USFA is not announcing any funding opportunities, a situation that Bassel finds concerning and suggests is not hopeful.

Despite facing numerous challenges, documentary production is thriving, demonstrated by films like “Militantropos” at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and “Timestamp” in the Berlinale competition. This tenacity is particularly evident among Ukrainian filmmakers who are tirelessly documenting the ongoing Russian atrocities. Interestingly, private investors have shown significant interest in this field, as stated by Film.UA’s Yarmoshchuk, highlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Starlight’s Bohutskyi stated, “It’s not the strongest who endure, but those who can adjust.” Despite a Russian missile damaging their Kyiv studio last year, they swiftly resumed production for the 15th season of “MasterChef Ukraine.” They received assistance from their competitor Film.UA, who shared some of their own studio facilities. This demonstrates what Bohutskyi calls a war-time spirit – one that emphasizes cooperation, rebuilding, and partnerships.

Even though a peace deal appears uncertain in the near future, Ukrainian film and television professionals are proactively planning for how their industry will evolve after the war. Daria Leygonie-Fialko, founder of SPACE TV production company and co-founder of the Organization of Ukrainian Producers, predicts a significant influx of investment in content. Yarmoshchuk emphasizes the immense potential that lies untapped once a peace treaty with Russia is signed, reminding her international partners of this opportunity.

Ukraine boasts a large population, over 30 million strong, as she points out. To her international associates, she continually emphasizes the importance of considering their post-war strategies for Ukraine.

“People are dying. Cities are being destroyed,” adds Bassel. “But we are still here.”

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2025-05-15 09:48