The 17th Odesa International Film Festival staged an opening event in Kyiv on 27 August that drew a wide roster of public figures. Photographs published by JetSetter show attendees including Vira Brezhneva, actresses Anna Nikonova, Anna Nepliakh, Darya Tregubova and Anastasia Tsymbalaru, Miss Ukraine Universe titleholders, TV presenter Lyudmyla Barbir, actor Andrii Isaienko, and basketball player Vyacheslav Kravtsov.
Brezhneva’s presence drew attention because of recent criticism over her continued performances in Russian. Ukrainian outlets such as Detector Media and columnist Antonina questioned the invitation. Festival public-relations director Tetyana Vlasova told Detector Media that Brezhneva was invited by the media partner JetSetter.ua and that her appearance was not organized by the festival itself.
JetSetter’s photo gallery provides the event coverage and the list of notable guests who attended the Kyiv opening.