This program presents recent short films by emerging Ukrainian animators. The works move between satire, fantasy, personal drama, memory, childhood, and life during war. Some look directly at trauma and loss; others turn to everyday absurdity, dreams, or private fears. Together, they offer a concise view of a new generation of artists developing their own language, subjects, and ways of seeing.

Roaches in the head
Director: Daryna Dekhtiarenko
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2025
In a student dormitory, beneath an old refrigerator, there is a city of cockroaches. When people decide to replace their refrigerator, their world is put at risk. Having overheard humans talk about their “inner gremlins,” King Roach decides it might as well be “inner cockroaches” and leads his people into the human mind in search of a new home.

Little anteater
Director: Mariia Bocharova
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2026
The great journey of the Little Anteater.

Rony's Adventure
Director: Hordii Hordiienko
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2026
After Rony discovers a mysterious portal to the «Vault» and gains superpowers, he teams up with Alex and Jack to investigate the disappearance of his father, Tyler. Gradually, the friends uncover dangerous facts that link Rony’s magical abilities to events from the past.

Echo
Director: Maryna Sakara
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2026
An animated anthology of three interconnected stories about the consequences of war. Through the loss of home, loved ones, and a gradual fading of humanity, the film explores deep psychological traumas that echo in memory and transform one’s perception of the world and reality.

Flower shield
Director: Nika Podobna
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2026
A girl dreams of protection for people in Ukraine.

Out from inside
Director: Daria Hnylytska
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2025
"Out from Inside" is a story about how society's perception of people's differences and neurodivergence shapes not only the way these differences are seen by others, but also how they are understood and internalized by those who live with them.

Light in the waves
Director: Daria Udachyna
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2025
The main character is a lighthouse keeper living alone on a remote island. In the past, he lost his family during a storm — they were travelling to the mainland by boat, driven by boredom on the island. Another storm brings a girl who delivers supplies. The man rescues her by setting the lighthouse on fire, and along with it, his sense of guilt.

Doomed by Choice
Director: Anastasiia Kovtun
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2025
A short animated film about a father who begins gambling, believing he is doing it for a better future for his family. But gradually, the game turns into an addiction, destroying his life, relationships, and his ability to control his own decisions.

The Dreamweaver
Director: Mariia Krupiievska
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2025
High above in space, the Star Cat weaves a magical blanket from dreams each night, bringing children beautiful visions. But when a ravenous Rat begins gnawing at its glowing threads, dreams turn into nightmares. To restore light and peace, the Star Cat sets out to stop the intruder and protect the dreams of humankind.

The Borderline
Director: Veronika Aiuvdzhy
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2025
By 2026, residents of Ukrainian cities have adapted to life under constant danger. Despite the war, they continue living ordinary lives, witnessing simultaneous construction and destruction, and finding moments of joy in circumstances where it would seem impossible. What does this contradictory psychological state conceal?

Once in the morning
Director: Svitlana Kovalska
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2026
Consumed by everyday routine, the main character gradually stops noticing the beauty of everyday moments. But her son sees the world differently. His ability to imagine and dream, along with memories of her own childhood, help the woman rediscover joy in life and the beauty of the surrounding world.

Dessert
Director: Albina Ryzhkova
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2026
When you work in the office, you have to keep an eye on your superiors.

Human.STUS
Director: Oles Vorona
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2025
A short teaser film about the life of Vasyl Stus in the totalitarian USSR. Two letters written in prison become his final conversation with his family and a spiritual testament to his son — not to lose human dignity when absolute evil reigns around.

Business lady
Director: Mariia Pidchenko
Country: Ukraine
Year: 2026
The girls were playing in the yard and became adults without noticing.