The National Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine has announced two artistic competitions for the production of documentaries. Both projects will be created in the format of television documentaries with the prospect of international promotion.
Documentary film Repressed Carols: From the Nativity Scene to the Camps
This project is dedicated to the Ukrainian dissident movement of the 60s and 80s. The film will tell how cultural traditions, including Christmas carols, became a symbol of resistance to the Soviet totalitarian regime. The main focus will be on the lives of prominent figures of that time, such as Vasyl Stus, Vyacheslav Chornovil, Serhiy Parajanov and others.
The film will reveal repressions against the active part of society caused by attempts to preserve Ukrainian culture, identity and freedom of religion. The project involves the use of archival materials, expert commentary, and reenactment of historical events.
Expected materials:
A full-length film of 80 minutes with subtitles in Ukrainian and English.
Television version lasting 52-55 minutes.
Trailer, short videos (60-90 seconds), posters and materials for social media.
The maximum budget of the project is UAH 4 million excluding VAT. The production is scheduled to be completed on November 17, 2025.
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Documentary film “Do you have a minute to talk about electricity?”
The second project is a popular science documentary dedicated to the topic of energy supply in Ukraine. The film will tell about how the Ukrainian energy system works, the principles of its functioning, the challenges it faced during the war, and the prospects for renewable energy and decentralization of generation.
The film will have a light, entertaining tone with animation and graphics. The role of the presenter will be played by a well-known actor or actress who will explain complex technical processes in simple language.
Expected materials:
A full-length film of 48 minutes with subtitles in Ukrainian and English.
Trailer, short videos (60-90 seconds), posters and materials for social media.
The maximum budget of the project is UAH 2 million, excluding VAT. The production is scheduled to be completed on October 1, 2025.
Terms of participation in the competitions
Applications are accepted from January 15 to February 9, 2025. Participants must provide a brief description of the project, a detailed synopsis, an estimate, a production plan, and documents confirming their experience in creating audiovisual works.
The competitions will be held in two stages: pre-selection and pitching. Projects will be evaluated based on criteria such as dramatic quality, creative and production vision, compliance with distribution requirements, and budget efficiency.
Both films will be adapted for television, digital platforms and international festival promotion.
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