Following the evacuation of Ukrainian soldiers from Azovstal, Twitter began to brim with speculation over the resulting cinematic possibilities. This may not be such a far-fetched idea. International filmmakers are already developing concepts and pictures focused on President Volodymyr Zelensky and wartime Ukraine, so the Azov Battalion’s heroic story looks well-suited to Hollywood treatment.
With the Ukrainian economy struggling under the yoke of Russia’s invasion, activity in many sectors of the economy has been halted. A boost from the film community and a legacy brought to life on the silver screen would be welcome, particularly where those movies are filmed wholly or partly in Ukraine.
Hollywood can – and should – step up its game in this regard.
Ukraine’s cinema landscape is hardly a desert. Movies have been made in Ukraine for more than a century, and U.S. filmmakers have periodically dipped their feet into the country with productions such as “Everything Is Illuminated” (2005) and “Act of Valor” (2012).
But the invasion has clearly had a detrimental impact on the industry. For example, the Odesa International Film Festival, which recently revealed this year’s participants, will take place at the Czech Republic’s Karlovy Vary International Film Festival owing to Putin’s “full-scale war.” Given the Russian military’s callous disregard for civilian life, on-location filming in Ukraine at this juncture could potentially be hazardous.
Post-war, however, the opportunities might draw more than a few eyeballs. As Ukrainian forces push Russian soldiers back in the east, public optimism about a withdrawal by the occupiers has grown. In light of that, Hollywood and other studios should be looking to a future where shooting productions in Ukraine becomes a regular pastime.
The relationship among these parties could be mutually beneficial. Ukraine could attract studios with inexpensive production costs and a pool of highly skilled professionals who have on-set experience. Meanwhile, Hollywood productions filming in Ukraine could provide significant employment opportunities for Ukrainians, as well as augmenting local sectors ranging from hospitality to transportation.
It may not be long before such endeavors take off. Organizations such as the “Ukraine Content Club”, which is reportedly courting American investors for Ukrainian TV projects, have made their presence known, and the momentum will likely continue. That means that the country should prepare for a revitalization of its film industry in the wake of Russia’s seemingly inevitable defeat.
Such predictions don’t come with guarantees, and any new developments will certainly take time to have an impact. Still, these initiatives could build Ukraine’s cinematic reputation further and lay the foundations for international projects – eliciting more money not only for the nation’s economy, but also for Tinseltown coffers. Based on those factors, a Hollywood-Ukraine filmmaking partnership could be a win-win for both entities.
All it needs is a bit of direction.
Simon Hardy Butler is a writer and editor living in New York City.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s and not necessarily those of the Kyiv Post.
