THE PROBLEM OF UKRAINE’S REPRESENTATION IN GLOBAL CINEMA: AN ACADEMIC DISCOURSE

Abstract

In the article, the current state of research on the representation of Ukraine in global cinema is examined, with particular attention to the impact of audiovisual art on the formation of mass consciousness and the international image of the Ukrainian nation. The study highlights how cinematic images shape viewers’ perceptions of the “Other,” especially in relation to the cultural, political, and historical context of Ukraine.The purpose of the paper is to systematize academic approaches to the study of Ukrainian imagotypes in foreign cinema and to outline the main types of representations found in the works of both Ukrainian and international scholars.The article also analyzes current trends and shifts in cultural narratives related to Ukraine. Methodology. To achieve this aim, the study employs a combination of methods, including a cultural studies approach, systemic analysis, empirical observation, and content analysis. These tools enable a nuanced interpretation of filmic texts and their broader discursive implications.Scientific novelty lies in the systematic generalization of scholarly sources that address the representation of Ukraine and Ukrainians in audiovisual media–materials that had previously been studied in a fragmented manner. The article also identifies three dominant research perspectives (Soviet-Russian, Polish, and Hollywood), each offering insight into how the image of Ukraine has evolved from stereotypical depictions to more multifaceted portrayals.Conclusions. In the academic discourse, a majority of studies prior to 2014 focused on negative or superficial representations of Ukraine. However, since the Euromaidan, there has been a growing interest in Ukrainian themes, accompanied by partial shifts in visual stereotypes. Researchers note the emergence of more positive portrayals–such as heroic narratives and depictions of the struggle for independence–while simultaneously emphasizing the persistence of entrenched negative tropes, especially in Russian cinema. The findings indicate that outdated and stereotypical images continued to dominate up until 2014. The article advocates for deeper research and the creation of objective representations that can reflect the true potential of Ukrainian culture.