Mykhailo Illienko

Mykhailo Herasymovych Illienko, born on June 29, 1947, in Moscow, Soviet Union, is a prominent Ukrainian filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor. A distinguished figure in the arts, he became an Academician of the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine in 2017 and was honored as an Honored Artist of Ukraine in 2003. His contributions to cinema were recognized in 2007 when he received the Oleksandr Dovzhenko State Prize.

Illienko pursued his passion for film at the All-Union State Institute of Cinematography, graduating in 1970. In 1973, he began his directorial career at the Kyiv Dovzhenko Film Studio, where he produced several noteworthy films. In 1997, he established the Open Night Film Festival, which has become a significant cultural event in Ukraine. His academic influence extends to his role as the dean of the film faculty at the Kyiv National I. K. Karpenko-Kary Theatre, Cinema and Television University since 2000. He is also an active member of the National Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine and served as Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Film Academy from April 2017 to November 2018.

In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in March 2022, Illienko demonstrated his commitment to his country by joining the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces, reflecting his dedication to both his art and homeland.