The animated film Kyiv Cake by Ukrainian director Mykyta Lyskov has been shortlisted for the European Film Awards in the Best Short Film category.
The film qualified for consideration by the European Film Academy after participating in the Bilbao International Documentary and Short Film Festival, where it was recommended by the jury for further selection.
The film is set in modern-day Ukraine. At the heart of the story is a family trying to survive in poverty following the birth of a child. When the situation becomes critical, the characters face a new threat.
According to the director, the film was made during the full-scale war and reflects his personal experience of life in Ukraine during that period.
Currently, Kyiv Cake is the only Ukrainian entry on the shortlist. However, the selection process for the award is ongoing, and the list of nominees will be updated throughout the year. The winners will be announced at the end of the year.
Mykyta Lyskov is an animation director, a two-time winner of the Golden Spinning Top award and a recipient of Kinokola. His works are distinguished by a combination of black humour, urban motifs, and surrealist aesthetics.
The film was previously included in the Operation Animation selection on the Takflix platform, where it is available to watch online with English subtitles.