Day of Ukrainian Cinema is observed in Ukraine on every second Saturday of September, celebrating the contributions of all employees in the film industry, including actors, directors, and support staff. Established by President Leonid Kuchma in 1996, this professional holiday honors the rich history of Ukrainian cinema, which began with the founding of the first film studio in Odessa in 1919. The Kiev Cinema Factory followed in 1928, and in 1957, it was named after prominent filmmaker Alexander Dovzhenko. The day is marked by various events such as film screenings, conferences, exhibitions, and awards ceremonies, where industry professionals receive congratulations from government officials, colleagues, and family members. Notable Ukrainian figures in cinema include directors like Larisa Shepitko and Sergei Parajanov, and actors such as Vera Kholodnaya and Bohdan Stupka.