Yaroslav Pilunskyi — Ukrainian cinematographer, president of the Guild of Cinematographers of Ukraine, laureate of the National Taras Shevchenko Prize of Ukraine and Honoured Artist of Ukraine. One of the founders of “Babylon’13” and initiator of the educational project “Yellow Bus”. After Russia’s full-scale invasion, he joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
This year he is coordinating Ukraine’s participation in the AFC Micro Salon Show in Paris, where the Ukrainian camera operators school is represented in an international professional context and under wartime conditions.
1. What is MicroSalon Paris 2026 and what is Ukraine’s status at this event?
Micro Salon AFC is the key annual event for film industry professionals, organised by the French Association of Cinematographers (AFC) in the Parc Floral de Paris. The exhibition focuses on new filming equipment, lighting and post-production technologies, providing a platform for meetings between directors of photography, equipment manufacturers and technical specialists. The programme includes seminars, technical conferences and meetings with cinematographers. Ukraine this year is represented by the Guild of Cinematographers of Ukraine (UGC).
2. Who initiated the invitation of the Ukrainian side and why, in your opinion, did this happen now?
The invitation was initiated by the French Association of Cinematographers (AFC) and our representative of the Guild of Cinematographers of Ukraine (UGC) in Paris, Oleksandr Kryshtalovych. The organisation of the exposition and preparation of content was made possible through the financial support of the Pylyp Orlyk Foundation, as well as partner support from: NGO “Heroes U-I”, the “Yellow Bus” project, Babylon’13, the National Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine, Dovzhenko Centre, TsEKh 25, Arthouse Traffic, Patriot Rental, Filmotechnic, KINOKO.
3. What is the main idea or message of Ukraine’s presence at MicroSalon?
The main topic of the Ukrainian delegation’s conversation: “Ukrainian Camera Operators During the War”. With the screening of the film “Second Wind” and an online discussion of aspects of the work of directors of photography under conditions of full-scale war. An important aspect of our presence at this forum was the diplomatic dimension — demonstrating the subjectivity of Ukrainian cinematography in all the depth of its cultural tradition.
6. What result do you consider a success and how can this work for future international cooperation?
The attention of the French community to the war in Ukraine has been refreshed. Connections with the Association of Cinematographers of France have been established. Further contacts and agreed prospects for joint projects with colleagues from the Association of Cinematographers of France (AFC) have been planned.
10. What would you like the international professional community to understand about Ukraine after our participation this year?
Our first message to the international cultural and professional community is that Ukraine is a full-fledged heir to pan-European culture, the cradle of civilisation’s first steps. The flame of our ancestors has not been extinguished in the traditions and genetic memory of our people. And we prove this with our uncompromising struggle against the occupier for the right to be on the side of development and progress.
Interview by Olena Kyrychenko-Povolotskaу, Head of Communications and Public Relations, Pylyp Orlyk Foundation
