The Ethnographic Film Festival "OKO" expands horizons and unites cultures.

The sixth edition of the International Ethnographic Film Festival "OKO" will be held in Ukraine and Bulgaria in 2025. For the first time in the history of the festival, its Ukrainian part will be opened in the capital Kyiv, where representatives of the Bulgarian diaspora, including from Bessarabia, will gather. The theme of the festival this year is folk masquerade traditions - from the Malanka rituals in Ukraine to the Kukeri traditions in Bulgaria and some Ukrainian regions.

The visual concept of the sixth edition is based on documentary photographs of winter ritual costumes from Bulgaria, the Ukrainian Bessarabia and various regions of Ukraine. These photographs were provided by the renowned Bulgarian photographer and theologian Ivan Shishiev, whose works have been published in prestigious international publications such as National Geographic, EUObserver, Vogue US and Le Monde.

For a more in-depth study of authenticity, the festival is partnering with Ukraїner - a public-cultural multimedia project that documents and promotes Ukrainian traditions, including the rituals for Vasylka Day and Malanka. These rituals are similar to the Bulgarian Kukeri practices and are the focus of part of the festival's film selection.

The visual identity of the sixth edition of "OKO" is the work of Liliia Topor - the festival's art director and creator of all visual concepts since its inception. The festival is realized with the support of the European Union under the House of Europe program.

The festival program will be held in three stages: from September 5 to 10, 2025 - opening and part of the screenings in Kyiv; from September 12 to 14, 2025 - the final part of the Ukrainian program and the awarding of winners in Bolgrad, Odesa region; and from October 3 to 11, 2025 - screenings of the entire program and the awarding of winners in the international section OKO GLOBAL in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The festival director and founder, Tetiana Staneva, shares: "At the sixth edition of 'OKO' we will search for the truth together - in the films, in the stories, in our loved ones, in ourselves and even in what we call the otherworldly. We want to create a small Bessarabia island in Kyiv, to immerse you in the exuberance of colors and cultures, to invite you to feel and taste the flavor of our Ukrainian south."

The festival's honorary president, Yurii Dimchohlo, notes: "Looking back, we realize how long and thorny the path we have traveled - without pauses and rest, always in a new format. We have created a large community of friends, partners and audiences in Ukraine and Bulgaria. The very existence of 'OKO' is a miracle, created with hands and heart."

Victor Kurtev, the festival president and chairman of the Supervisory Board, states: "Culture is not an expense, but a long-term investment. It shapes the mentality and code of the nation, builds our identity and fosters patriotism. 'OKO' has been successfully conducting a true intercultural dialogue and cultural diplomacy in Bulgaria for the sixth year, showcasing the most remote corners of the planet and touching on the most painful topics."