Zhenia Pavlenko

Regarded as a remarkable talent in Eastern European cinema, Ukrainian director Zhenia Pavlenko was born in 1970 in the historic city of Kyiv. He began making waves in the film industry during the mid-1990s, primarily working within the realms of drama and mystery, with his critically acclaimed works such as "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors" and "Spellbound by the Dream" earning him numerous national awards. Pavlenko's authorial style is noted for its poignant exploration of human emotions and the complex socio-political landscape of his homeland, often capturing the raw realities of life in post-Soviet Ukraine. On a more personal note, Zhenia Pavlenko is remembered not only as a gifted storyteller, but also as a passionate advocate for the art of cinema, whose unwavering dedication to his craft has served as an inspiration to many aspiring filmmakers in his country and beyond.