Valerii Shalyha

Born on June 23, 1963, in the village of Velyki Korovyntsi, Zhytomyr region, Valerii Shalyha has built a distinguished career as a film director, actor, screenwriter, and producer. Recognized as an Honored Artist of Ukraine, he is also a member of the Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine and serves on the Expert Commission at State Cinema.

Shalyha’s formal training began in 1985, when he completed the theater studio at the Kyiv Academic Theater named after I. Franko. He later graduated from the Kyiv Theater Institute named after I. Karpenko-Kary in 1999. His directorial debut came in 1993 at the O.P. Dovzhenka film studio, where he trained under A.Y. Voytetskyi.

Throughout his career, Shalyha has contributed significantly to Ukrainian cinema, both in front of and behind the camera. His works reflect a deep engagement with national themes and artistic storytelling. His achievements, including the title of Honored Artist of Ukraine, underscore his impact on the country’s film industry. Today, he continues to influence the next generation of filmmakers through his role on the Expert Commission at State Cinema, shaping the future of Ukrainian film culture.