Berlin – November 22, 2023: The prestigious EURIMAGES INTERNATIONAL CO-PRODUCTION AWARD has been bestowed upon renowned producer Uljana Kim by Eurimages and the European Film Academy. Born in 1969 into a Korean family in Osh, Kyrgyzstan, Kim graduated from the Institute of Cinematography in Moscow (VGIK) in 1993, bringing a wealth of knowledge as a film critic by education. Her journey led her to Lithuania, where she founded Studio Uljana Kim in 1997, marking a pioneering step as the country’s first female producer.
Studio Uljana Kim, based in Vilnius, Lithuania, has since established a robust reputation, producing 34 feature and documentary films, many of which premiered at major international film festivals. Their commitment lies in crafting high-quality art-house films aimed at a global audience, solidifying the studio as one of Lithuania’s premier companies for full-length feature production.
The award recognizes Kim’s exceptional dedication to co-production and the enduring partnerships she has fostered over the years. It also acknowledges her company’s outstanding track record within the competitive Eurimages co-production support program.
The EURIMAGES INTERNATIONAL CO-PRODUCTION AWARD, a joint initiative by the European Film Academy and Eurimages, celebrates the pivotal role of co-productions in nurturing international cinematic exchange.
Notable films from Studio Uljana Kim include “COURTYARD (KIEMAS)” by Valdas Navasaitis, debuting at the Cannes International Film Festival in the “Director’s Fortnight” in 1999, “THE LEASE (NUOMOS SUTARTIS)” by Kristijonas Vildžiūnas, premiering at the Venice International Film Festival in 2002, and “THE GAMBLER (LOŠĖJAS)” by Ignas Jonynas, which made its mark at the San Sebastian International Film Festival in 2013, among others.
Additionally, as a minor co-producer, Studio Uljana Kim contributed to noteworthy films like “A GENTLE CREATURE” by Sergei Loznitsa (2017), “ETHER” by Krzysztof Zanussi (2018), and “THE NATURAL HISTORY OF DESTRUCTION” by Sergei Loznitsa (2022).
Uljana Kim’s collaboration with Eurimages spans ten co-produced films, six of which she spearheaded as a majority producer. Noteworthy collaborations include “MOTHERLAND,” “FIVE AND A HALF LOVE STORIES IN AN APARTMENT IN VILNIUS,” and other acclaimed projects.
Uljana Kim will be honored as a guest at the 36th European Film Awards gala on 9 December in Berlin, where she will personally receive this distinguished award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to European cinema.
The European Film Awards stand as a testament to the pinnacle of achievements in European filmmaking, presented by the European Film Academy and European Film Academy Productions.
