Great films shot in Kyiv
Recently, the capital has become increasingly popular among world-famous musicians and commercial brands — music videos and advertisements filmed in Kyiv gather millions of views. Today, we will show you where and when well-known Ukrainian and international films shot in the city.
“Bitter Harvest”
The Canadian film Bitter Harvest tells a story of love during the Holodomor in Ukraine. The film aims to show the world the horrors that the nation endured in 1932–1933. Director George Mendeluk filmed a significant part of the movie at the Pyrohiv Museum near Kyiv, using his personal savings for the $20 million budget.
Cast: Max Irons, Samantha Barks, Terrence Stamp.
“Möbius”
Möbius is a French spy thriller released in 2013. The story explores the life of an FSB special agent and his partner. The crew shot parts of the movie in Kyiv, specifically on Khreshchatyk Street.
Cast: Cécile De France, Jean Dujardin, Tim Roth.
“Evilenko”
The Italian film Evilenko explores the crimes of serial killer Andrei Chikatilo. Filmmakers used Kyiv locations such as the War Museum, the railway station, Kyiv school No. 110, and the Kyiv Ivan Bohun Military Lyceum, whose students performed as extras. Director David Grieco loved the city and continues to praise it.
Cast: Malcolm McDowell, Márton Csokas, Ronald Pickup.
“Chasing Two Hares”
The film Chasing Two Hares is a masterpiece of the 1960s. Its screenplay is based on the play On the Kozhum’yaky by Ukrainian classic Ivan Nechuy-Levytsky. Being a Ukrainian production, many scenes were filmed in Kyiv. The movie features Volodymyrska Hill, and a particularly popular tourist site is St. Andrew’s Church.
Cast: Margarita Krynytsyna, Mykola Yakovchenko.
“The Death of Stalin”
The Death of Stalin, a British comedy, shot several scenes in Kyiv, including the Kyiv City State Administration building on Khreshchatyk, the Podil neighborhood, VDNG, and a house on Oles Honchar Street. International critics praised the film highly, although Russia banned it.
Cast: Steve Buscemi, Jeffrey Tambor, Simon Russell Beale.
“In Love with Kyiv”
In Love with Kyiv is an anthology of short films about love in a modern metropolis, filmed in the style of Paris, je t’aime. The story highlights romance in the capital, featuring many scenes from Podil and Pechersk. The film also marks the acting debuts of Ukrainian showbiz stars Ivan Dorn and Dasha Astafieva.
Cast: Ivan Dorn, Dasha Astafieva, Ada Rohovtseva.
