Cinema as a Basis for the Formation / Creation of Modern National Identity

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to analyse the role and place of cinema in the formation and strengthening of modern Ukrainian identity; to study the main trends observed in the development of contemporary Ukrainian cinema in the direction of state-building and geopolitical processes, in particular in the context of the war that Russia unleashed against Ukraine in 2022; to examine the shortcomings that negatively affect the quality and perception of Ukrainian cinema in Ukraine and the world. Research methodology. To achieve the set goals and solve the tasks, the researchers used such diverse approaches and methods as analysis (to study contemporary popular films) and synthesis (to identify trends in the development of Ukrainian cinema), historical method (to clarify the historical realities of Ukraine’s development), literary analysis (to study literary sources that highlight identity in cinema). Scientific novelty. For the first time, contemporary Ukrainian cinema is analysed in terms of trends in the formation of national identity through feature films. The main components of Ukrainian national identity are identified: awareness of cultural heritage, understanding of one’s role in the collective identity, and active consumption of cultural and information space, including cinema. The role and place of cinema in the formation and strengthening of modern Ukrainian identity are analysed. Conclusions. It is determined that the formation of Ukrainian national identity is conditioned by history, language, culture, religion, territory, traditions, politics and education. The article has analysed the Ukrainian cinema space and found that there is a tendency to rethink classical works and appeal to Ukrainian culture as a means of forming national identity, as well as to cover the topic of war and heroic events in the history of Ukraine, which contributes to the self-identification of Ukrainians as courageous fighters for freedom and independence. The study also has identified shortcomings, such as the use of “trouser culture”, acting unprofessionalism and instability of cinematic development, which negatively affect the quality and perception of Ukrainian cinema.