Seasoned producer and programmer Sinkevych is a member of European Film Academy, co-founder of the Ukrainian Film Academy, former general producer of the Odessa International Film Festival and founder of JS Films. She sits on numerous festival juries and was named jury president of the last Series Mania in Lille.

She spoke to us on her way to Kyiv from Reykjavik, where she attended the European Film Awards ceremony.

See our report on EFA awards: CLICK HERE.

Firstly would you like to comment on the well-deserved Eurimages Co-Production Award which you just collected in Reykjavik on behalf of all Ukrainian producers. What does this mean for the Ukrainian industry?
Julia Sinkevych: This is first of all a great honour for all of us and also this is definitely a symbol - a symbol of support and solidarity, the symbol of the recognition of the achievements of Ukrainian cinema and also this is an encouragement to keep our work even when it is so difficult.

What is the current situation for the industry in Ukraine? How many professionals are still there and how do they continue to work under the constant bombing?
JS: The situation is still very complicated in the film sector. The winter came and new challenges and difficulties caused by Russian attacks on our infrastructure are at the table. Most of the filmmakers have their documentary projects going on, a couple of fiction film productions happened as well. However, one can’t speak about a proper functioning film industry. Cinemas are still operating with changing schedules due to blackouts and alarms and this effects their economy. Still, there were several film festivals which took place in Kyiv in a modest format.

Many film professionals are abroad and found jobs, however this concerns mostly crew - gaffers, editors, post production supervisors, editors and sound designers. For creative positions, the situation is not bright and many have to put on hold their projects and look for alternative sources of financing and living costs.

Can local broadcasters still transmit news bulletins? Can you confirm that the largest Ukrainian TV groups have joined forces to create one ‘United news’ service and that their marketing services are particularly aggressive in creating social videos to counter the Russia propaganda?
JS: Yes, since the first weeks of the war there is a United marathon of Ukrainian TV channels where each of them (selected TV channels actually) have their time slots. There is a debate if it shall remain like this currently when the sources of information are already accessible and diverse. As for their activities in social media, for me it is hard to say as the biggest majority of Ukrainians are aware of the propaganda, so those actions are most likely taken to the audiences outside of Ukraine.

Actually TV channels and broadcasters themselves play a modest role in it, but there are alternative activities regarding Russian propaganda, organised by volunteers and NGO’s. Such as for example Institute of the strategic communications which just recently received a Noble Prize Peace award.

Could you highlight some of the global initiatives that the Nordic industry should be aware of?
JS: Global initiatives are mostly in development as it takes some time with European workflow structure. The European Commission held a workshop in Warsaw in October on the assessments of the needs of Ukrainian cultural sector. Also EFAD is working on the way to provide opportunities, however no details have yet been revealed.

Here are some links to the emergency help initiatives for filmmakers:

What are the best ways to help the Ukrainian audiovisual industry? What are the current risks, challenges, and opportunities and what could be the "common denominator" for co-production projects?
JS: The Göteborg Film Festival organised residencies for Ukrainian filmmakers early in August and also a call for development support of Ukrainian projects. This was a great way to support the industry.

I think that this format is effective at the moment - training, job opportunities, small grants not only for creative teams but also for producers and other roles.

The risks vary from the danger of filming under fire and electricity cuts and health issues, mental state and traumas are also the fact not to ignore.

When it comes to co-production the challenge is in reciprocity. The opportunities are also there as there is a chance to discover Ukrainian talents and professionals and also now, we have a lot of common stories which unite us and can be used in films.

Are there any projects you’d like to mention that are in the making with Nordic partners?
JS: The project that comes to my mind is the documentary Displaced by Olga Zhurba produced by Darya Bassel, in co-production with Denmark [Final Cut for Real] and Sweden [We have a Plan].

What will be the next forums in 2023 where you will speak out?
JS: For now, it will be Trieste’s co-production forum When East Meets West which will organise a focus on Ukraine.

How will you spend Christmas and is there one charity in particular that you recommend for people to made donations to support Ukraine?
JS: I plan to be in Kyiv for holidays although it is not about any celebrations now. I recommend to support the Foundation Come back alive which is successfully acting since 2014: savelife.in.uahttps://savelife.in.uaПовернись живим