The festival “Smile, Ukrainian!” was created in Kyiv in 2013. It was aimed at presenting Ukrainian viewers with contemporary directors and showing everyone that Ukrainian films can be professional, fun, interesting, and easily viewable.
Outside Kyiv, films have been shown elsewhere in Ukraine and abroad.
The “Smile, Ukrainian!” festival takes place in Rīga for the second year in a row. This year's festival is dedicated to Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations and aims to give guests a moment of joy and delight.
"At this difficult moment, it is unspeakably important for everyone not to sink into complete hopelessness. Our film marathon wants to convey positive messages, make people smile, improve the overall mood and do everything else they can to make our lives a little better and lighter," festival organizers said.
The entrance to the film marathon is free and screeinings will be in the original language, with Latvian and English subtitles provided.
