Ukraine Season 2025

Ukraine Season –

a series of cultural, literary, and musical events highlighting Ukrainian creativity, dialogue, and heritage. Organized by Ukrainian Association in Finland and partners.

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October 22, 2025 – Ukraine Talks: Discussion Seminar

📍 Galleria Kohta, Teurastamo, Helsinki
🕕 18:00–20:00
Language: English

An evening of reflection and dialogue on the role of Ukrainian culture in today’s world.
Speakers Kateryna Harahulia, Mariia Zhyhurt, and Mikko-Pekka Hanski, moderated by Iryna Gorkun-Silén, will explore how Ukrainian culture grows, connects, and inspires across borders.

Organized by: Reflektor ry and the Ukrainian Association in Finland
Supported by: Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture (OKM)

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October 23–26, 2025 – Helsinki Book Fair: Ukraine at Kirjamessut

October 23, 2025

How to Improve Ukrainian–Finnish Literary Translations?

📍 Töölö-lava
🕓 16:00–16:30

Since 2022, there has been a growing demand for translations from Ukrainian in Finland. Finns are discovering authors such as Yevheniia Kuznetsova, Sofiia Andrukhovych, and Serhiy Zhadan, yet the shortage of translators often leads to translations made through intermediary languages.
How can this be changed? How can direct translations from Ukrainian be supported?

Speakers:
• Eero Balk – Laureate of the Drahomán Prize for Translators 2024 (Ukraine)
• Jenni Kavén – Executive Director, Finnish Association of Translators and Interpreters (SKTL)
• Anna Vovchenko – Translator, Coordinator of the Drahomán Prize (PEN Ukraine)

Organizers: Ukrainalaisten yhdistys Suomessa ry, SKTL, PEN Ukraine

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October 24, 2025

Ukrainian Literature in Translation: What Makes Us Visible Worldwide?

📍 Rosebud Sivullinen Bookstore (Kaisaniemenkatu 5)
🕔 17:00–18:00

A conversation on how Ukrainian books are perceived globally and in Finland. Topics include the presence of Ukrainian literature in world publishing, what it means to be a Ukrainian author in translation, and how wartime experiences shape literary perception.

Speakers:
• Sofiia Andrukhovych – Author of Amadoka (Gummerus, 2025 Finnish edition)
• Anna Vovchenko – Translator, Project Manager and Drahomán Prize Coordinator (PEN Ukraine)
Moderator: Joy Hyvärinen, President of Finnish PEN

Also:
📍 Messukeskus Stand Programme
🕓 16:00 – Mikko-Pekka Hanski

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October 25, 2025

Sofiia Andrukhovych: Amadoka 1

📍 Suomalainen Kirjakauppa, 6b50
🕛 12:30–13:00

A presentation of Amadoka, a sweeping novel tracing a century of Ukrainian history and exploring the elusive nature of memory and truth.

Sofiia Andrukhovych: Amadoka

📍 Senaatintori-lava
🕝 14:30–15:00

“Deep inside, we always knew that Russia’s massive invasion was coming,” says the author.
“My novel is an introduction to what is happening today.”

Amadoka spans Ukraine’s history from Stalin’s repressions to the annexation of Crimea.
Interviewer: Ville Blåfield
Organizer: Gummerus

🎥 All Senaatintori stage events are streamed on the Book Fair website (for ticket holders) and hs.fi. Recordings available until year-end.
Host: Laura Friman

History and Politics in Comics

📍 Lonna-sali
🕢 19:30–20:00

Through the Finnish translation of the Ukrainian comic Short History of a Long War with Russia (TAMMI), we will discuss war as a global catastrophe and a shared human issue — a reminder that Ukraine’s struggle is part of the broader defense of democracy.

Speakers:
• Mariam Naiem – Ukrainian author of Afghan origin
• Saara Pääkkönen – Finnish translator specializing in comics

Organizers: Ukrainalaisten yhdistys Suomessa ry, TAMMI

📍 Messukeskus, Valo Hall
🕕 18:00–20:00 – Authors’ and Translators’ Reception
➡️ The evening continues at Tekstin talo from 20:00 onwards (registration required).

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October 26, 2025

Halychyna — Surprising Tastes from the Heart of Europe

📍 Näytöskeittiö
🕔 17:00–17:30

The western region of Ukraine, Halychyna, has long stood at the crossroads of cultures and trade routes, integrating foreign influences into its rich culinary traditions. During this event, we will prepare corn banosh with bryndza cheese and treat guests to Carpathian cheese horses and rohalyky (crescent rolls with rose jam).

Languages: Finnish and Ukrainian
Speakers: Marianna Dushar, Ukrainian anthropologist and food writer, and Eero Balk

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November 6, 2025 – Valentyn Silvestrov Day

📍 Musiikkitalo, Helsinki

A celebration of one of Ukraine’s most acclaimed contemporary composers, Valentyn Silvestrov.
The event will feature a concert by Sibelius Academy students and a film screening dedicated to Silvestrov’s life and music.

Organizers: Sibelius Academy in partnership with the Ukrainian Association in Finland

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November 14–16, 2025 – Film Screening

November 14 – Palyanytsya screening, Kinopalatsi, Helsinki
November 15 – 2,000 Metres to Andriivka, Kinopalatsi, Helsinki
November 16 – Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (restored version), Kinopalatsi, Helsinki
November 16 – 2,000 Metres to Andriivka screenings in Turku and Tampere

Times of the screenings will be announced soon. Stay tuned!

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December 13, 2025 – Christmas Concert: Perespiv Choir

📍 Olari Church, Espoo

A festive evening featuring the Perespiv Choir, performing Ukrainian and international Christmas carols. Join us to celebrate the season’s spirit through music, warmth, and community.