Cultural events, arts and festivals in Kyiv region and Ukraine
The New Year’s Eve screening of the "Stranger Things" finale brought in more than $25–30 million in cash — a signal of how streaming services and cinemas are finding new monetization models. We break down the key figures and the implications for the market and cultural policy.
The Ministry of Culture on December 30, 2025 officially added 26 unique items to the State Register of National Cultural Heritage. We examine which artifacts have been granted a special legal status and why this matters for Ukraine’s security and identity.
Five key trends — from voluminous skirts to chunky eyewear — will shape demand and open opportunities for Ukrainian brands, manufacturers and artisans. We explore why this matters right now.
The actor whose “Sheeeeit…” is known to millions has died at 71. A brief look at his career, his collaboration with Spike Lee, and why it matters beyond Hollywood.
Netflix has released the trailer for the final episode of "Stranger Things." Briefly — when to watch in Ukraine, what was shown on screen, and why it matters for the fan community and the industry.
Actor Idris Elba has been named to the United Kingdom's New Year Honours list — not for a role, but for his work with young people. Why is this important right now, and what lessons can the Ukrainian civic sector learn?
An interactive art installation has appeared on Saint Sophia Square in Kyiv that will be on display until January 6, 2026: an ice "heart" responds to touch — the ice melts and music about the defenders grows louder. We explain why this is more than holiday décor.
The State Film Agency reports: in 2025, 46 film projects were completed (35 films and 6 TV series) — an important marker of the industry's resilience, its economic weight, and its ability to shape the narrative about Ukraine.
The Brigitte Bardot Foundation announced on December 28 the death of the actress who became a symbol of the 1950s–60s and later an activist for animal rights. Why her passing matters for European culture and animal protection movements — briefly and analytically.
Actor and director of the theater school-studio Anatoliy Sukhanov died on December 27. It is a loss for the stage and for the children who knew him from TV projects — we explain why his role in culture matters more than any single part.
The guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, a member of the band since 1990, died over Christmas — we examine the mark he left on music and what this loss means for the group's legacy.
In 2026, five major films hit the screens — from the spacefaring adventures of Super Mario to a return to the world of Star Wars. These releases are more than entertainment: they shape industry trends, create jobs for cinemas and dubbing studios, and for Ukrainian audiences, they become part of the cultural revival. We outline, briefly and to the point, what to watch for and why it matters.
In 2025, the spotlight moments of celebrities' personal lives once again captured attention: from private weddings to large-scale celebrations marked by lavish spending. We examine not only who is with whom, but what these events reveal about cultural and resource priorities worldwide — in the context of global challenges, particularly for Ukraine.
We continue our series of special reports from Doha. This time we went to where the Middle East’s information policy is shaped — to the Al Jazeera headquarters. It is here, in the simultaneous interpretation booths, that Ukrainian Tarik Sarhan holds the line on the information front.
He came to Ukraine at 19 to become an engineer, but became one of the country's most prominent Islamic scholars. Today Tarik Sarhan lives in Qatar and works for Al Jazeera. As part of our special report from Doha, we spoke about how the battle for the truth about Ukraine is being waged in the Arab world, why the Quran calls on defending the homeland, and how the Ukrainian spirit helps overcome the aggressor's propaganda.
Stereotypes of Islam as a "closed" or "aggressive" religion are being shattered by the reality of Ukrainian resistance. From the Orange Revolution to the trenches around Bakhmut, Ukraine's Muslims show that faith is not an obstacle to success or patriotism — on the contrary, it is a foundation for the struggle for a free future.
Despite staff protests, the Louvre's main masterpieces remain open. This is not just a local labor dispute — incidents in recent months call into question the mechanisms for safeguarding cultural heritage and managing large institutions.
Distant Qatar has become an outpost of Ukrainian identity and cultural diplomacy in the Arab world. The Embassy of Ukraine has been transformed into a genuine "Ukrainian House," bringing together more than 300 active citizens. In wartime, the embassy not only defends the country's interests but also conducts an active information war, conveying the truth about Ukraine to hundreds of millions of Al Jazeera viewers.
A farewell ceremony for Stepan Higa took place on Rynok Square in Lviv, attended by thousands of people. The artist was buried on December 15 at Lychakiv Cemetery, field No. 75 — according to his will. He died on December 12; in November he had undergone emergency surgery.
From December 21, a light project titled "Share the Light" will be launched on the façade of the Central Railway Station. The installation will operate for several winter days on autonomous power; via a QR code, people will be able to connect to it through an app. The author is Mykola Kabluka.
Bandurist, member of the Cultural Forces, soloist of the NAONI orchestra, People's Artist of Ukraine Taras Stolyar spoke about the combination of art and service in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He performed for Riccardo Muti in Italy, played with Sting in Malibu, and traveled with a cultural landing party to the front. Art became a weapon in the fight for Ukraine.
BBC News Ukraine has announced the laureates of the 21st BBC Book of the Year 2025. Lena Lyagushonkova's novel won the top prize; Myroslav Layuk prevailed in essays, and Kateryna Shtanko in the children's category. The contest is supported by an EBRD programme; the jury selected winners from 41 publications. Separately, the Financial Times named Steven Witt's book about Nvidia the best business book of 2025.
Colombian singer Shakira shared a review of "Zootopia 2", but autocorrect replaced the title with an inappropriate word that quickly became an internet meme. Separately, it was reported that police are investigating singer Psy on suspicion of obtaining psychotropic drugs through intermediaries.
British writer Sophie Kinsella (real name Madeleine Wickham) died at the age of 55 after a battle with an aggressive form of brain cancer. She sold more than 50 million books and was best known for the Shopaholic series.
Over three weeks in release, the film "You — Cosmos" grossed UAH 37.7 million and drew 208,683 viewers. In its opening weekend the box office totaled UAH 8.7 million, with about 47,000 attendees.
An American actor has been named by Time magazine its Artist of 2025 for career achievements and for his role in Paul Thomas Anderson's film "One Battle After Another," which received the most nominations at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards.
In an interview accompanying his recognition as TIME's Artist of the Year, DiCaprio acknowledged the usefulness of AI for filmmaking but said that true art must come from humans. He also voiced criticism of the popularity of AI-generated music and virtual performers.
Mykhailo Klymenko, co‑founder and vocalist of ADAM, has died after a battle with tuberculous meningitis. The musician had been in a coma for an extended period; daily treatment costs exceeded UAH 25,000. Details of the farewell will be announced later.
The holiday observed today, December 6 according to the New Julian calendar, is dedicated to mercy and gifts. The text describes the origins of Saint Nicholas, regional customs in Ukraine, and traditional prohibitions.
On December 4, the UNESCO Committee supported Ukraine's proposal and added 19 sites to the International List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection. The total number of Ukrainian monuments on the list has increased to 46, the minister of culture reported.