The Independent Film Festival Vilne Kino is an independent festival dedicated to bold, innovative, and socially relevant films that challenge conventions and give voice to underrepresented perspectives.

The festival aims to create a space for creative freedom and critical dialogue, especially in today's turbulent times, when cultural resilience and artistic expression are more vital than ever. One of the key goals of Vilne Kino is to build a new, engaged audience for cinema by presenting various films from around the world.

We aim to foster cinematic curiosity, open conversations, and introduce new voices and visions to people who might otherwise not have access to this kind of content.

The festival will take place in several cities across Ukraine, including three traveling cities, with the final screening held in Kyiv.

Незалежний кінофестиваль «Вільне Кіно» — це фестиваль, присвячений сміливим, інноваційним та соціально значущим фільмам.

Мета фестивалю — створити простір для творчої свободи, особливо сьогодні, коли культурна стійкість і художнє самовираження важливіші, ніж будь-коли. Однією з ключових цілей «Вільного Кіно» є формування нової, залученої аудиторії для кіно через представлення різноманітних фільмів з усього світу.

Ми прагнемо заохочувати кінематографічну допитливість, ініціювати дискусії та відкривати нові голоси й візії — зокрема тих авторів, які інакше могли б не мати доступу до такої платформи.

Фестиваль проходитиме в кількох містах України, включаючи два мандрівні міста та закриття кінофестивалю у Києві.

Rules & Terms

Films About Freedom
Runtime — up to 15 minutes
A special category for fiction and documentary films exploring the theme of freedom — both internal and external.

Short Films
Runtime — up to 15 minutes
The main category of the festival. Short fiction films of all genres are accepted, including films created during studies at film schools and courses.

Short Short Films
Runtime — up to 1 minute
The most challenging category of our festival. For masters of dramaturgy who can fit an entire story into 60 seconds. Short fiction films of all genres are accepted.

Animation
Runtime — up to 15 minutes
A category dedicated to animated storytelling in all its forms. We accept animated films of any genre, style, and technique — from narrative works to experimental pieces.
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Juliana Soria

    I wasn't able to attend but the communication was really good!

    August 2025
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  • Alex Moreno-Novelo

    One of the greates surprises and experiences in the festival circuit for our films HATCHES/VENTANILLAS and SEE YOU THERE/YO TE ENCUENTRO. Although we.could not get to go to Ukrayne, oh my, what a great team, their communication, warmth and all the evident effort given into showing our films and many other in Kyev and many other locations. We hope things get better in Ukrayne and hopefully we'll meet next year with new films and surprises. Love to all in Kyev and beyond.

    July 2025
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  • Sofiya Boyko

    A wonderful festival with an incredibly warm and welcoming atmosphere.
    The team was exceptionally friendly and supportive throughout the entire process. The film selection was diverse and thought-provoking, and the way they support filmmakers — both emerging and established — is truly inspiring.
    I felt valued as a director and deeply appreciated the opportunity to be part of it.

    July 2025
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  • mu suppermu

    I'm delighted that it was selected for the festival. It's a great start. I hope to attend there someday.

    July 2025
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