Ukrainian movie review website Kinovechir (literal translation “Movie Night”) recently published a list of Ukrainian Christmas and New Year films, which it says focus on “kindness and miracles” amidst a time of tension and anxiety.
“This year, it seems like we are truly returning to our roots, to our traditions, to the real Christmas and New Year celebrated according to the calendar our ancestors honored,” Kinovechir says ahead of its rundown of eight favorite holiday films to bring “coziness, laughter and festive cheer.”
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The titles that made the list are worth exploring for anyone interested in discovering Ukrainian filmmaking talent:
Not on Kinovechir’s list is “Carol of the Bells” (2022), directed by Olesya Morgunets-Isaenko. A historical drama, the story follows three families – Ukrainian, Polish, and Jewish – living together in pre-war Ukraine, whose peaceful life is shattered by Soviet and Nazi occupations.
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The film depicts their survival, sacrifice and the enduring power of hope and family amidst the horrors of World War II. Symbolizing unity and a bountiful future, the beloved Christmas carol “Carol of the Bells” is a central musical theme, based on the Ukrainian folk tune “Shchedryk” (The Little Swallow).
Popularity of “Home Alone” in Ukraine
While there is plenty of choice in Ukrainian films, the US holiday classic “Home Alone” (1990, dir. Chris Columbus) remains much-loved and enduringly popular among Ukrainians.
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But why?
In December 2024, NPR reported from Kyiv on why this festive classic resonates so much with Ukrainians.
“Because it’s a really small kid, it’s a universal language. So it’s funny, and we all like small kids. It’s lovely,” one interviewee said.
“It is so loved for its sincerity, its warmth and its festivity. These days, it’s easy to think of ‘Home Alone’ as a kind of metaphor for what Ukraine is experiencing since Russia’s invasion,” another said.
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Another reason for the film’s popularity, according to NPR’s Brian Mann, is the film’s score, which includes “Carol Of The Bells” as a recurring motif.
If you have yet to watch any of the Ukrainian films in the above list – why not make 2025 your year to search them out?