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Mavka, the Spirit of Ukrainian Culture
The team at Animagrad studio strives to finish their stunning movie despite the terrible Russian war against their country and culture.
Since Russia began its brutal and illegal invasion of Ukraine in February, the brave employees of Kyiv-based media company FILM.UA Group and animation studio Animagrad have been on the frontlines of sheltering citizens and using their resources to fight Russian propaganda. We recently got in touch with our resilient and talented friends at Animagrad, who have been working patiently on their labor of love, the beautiful
CG-animated feature Mavka. The Forest Song for the past few years. Originally slated for a
December 2022 theatrical release, the film has been pre-sold in many territories (Germany’s Koch Films, Italia Film Int’l and Slovakia’s
Cinemart, to name a few). The film’s producer, Iryna Kostyuk, says she and her team are deeply committed to defending the country’s rich culture and heritage against Russian attacks. She says, “Since Putin embarked on the plan to destroy Ukrainian identity and authenticity by denying our unique culture (‘denationalizing’ Ukraine, as they officially put it), our duty is to fight that very evil. Our stories are our weapon. So, we have to be loud.”
Preservers of Culture
Kostyuk says she and her team are making a huge effort not only to finish the powerful movie, but also to distribute the screening rights to as many countries as possible. “We want to be seen and heard all over the world,” she notes. “We are also trying to involve international star talent — especially those who have publicly declared their support to Ukraine — to be the voice cast of our wonderful characters in the international version of the movie. The rights are already licensed to many European countries, but we are in the active process of further sales (also in talks with the streamers) as we also need to reach out to North America. Local Ukrainian stars have already joined the voice cast of the domestic version of the film.” The film’s director, Oleg Malamuzh, points out that Mavka tells a local story with a timeless, global appeal. “Any audience can understand this story about an empowered, brave heroine, but it takes place in Ukraine and it spotlights our culture and natural world,” he says. “This is a story of maturing and taking responsibility, relationships and deceit, the desire for peace and harmony — every viewer will find their favorite hero they can relate to.” Malamuzh adds, “In fact, Animagrad studio has a lineup of three animated features which all center on unique female characters with Ukrainian cultural and historical background. Our first animated feature, The Stolen Princess, was about Mila the Princess of Kyiv, and it was released in 2018 both domestically (with a record-breaking box office) and internationally (in over 50 countries). Mavka, who is the soul of a Ukrainian forest, will be our second animated feature release. And finally, there is also
Heroic Resilience: Mavka has emerged as a symbol for Ukrainian culture, heritage and unifying spirit after the 2022 invasion of the country by Russia
Iryna Kostyuk
Roxelana, our new movie in development, based on a real character — a Ukrainian girl who became the first woman to rule the Ottoman Empire alongside the Sultan.“ (Malamuzh is the director of all three movies.)
“It has always been our mission to promote Ukrainian culture,” says creative producer Anna Eliseeva. “But now, this mission has become more complicated, important and significant. Ukraine has to combat evil across all fronts. Our soldiers are defending our lives, our legacy and our heritage. Still, the enemy wants to
The Animagrad Trilogy
The Stolen Princess (2018)
A global hit for the studio, this colorful fairy tale centers on Ruslan, an artist who dreams of becoming a knight, who meets and falls in love with the beautiful Mila — without realizing that she is the king’s daughter. But, before he wins the heart of the young princess, he must prove himself and save her from an evil sorcerer. Directed by Oleg Malamuzh and produced by Egor Olesov.
Mavka. The Forest Song (2022)
Mavka faces an impossible choice between love and her duty as guardian to the Heart of the Forest when she falls in love with a human: the talented young musician, Lukash. Directed by Oleg Malamuzh and produced by Egor Olesov.
Roxelana (in development)
Based on a true story, this animated feature centers on a spirited Ukrainian girl who becomes the first woman to rule the Ottoman Empire with the Sultan. To be directed by Malamuzh. wipe out our identity, our cultural code and the nation’s DNA. So, our team believes that our task is to fight at the cultural front.” Eliseeva reminds us that Mavka is often seen as a guardian figure. “She is a powerful character from Ukrainian ancient mythology and classic literature. And we are the ones who create stories teaching our children to believe that good will always win over evil, and love will defeat hate. We long for the moment when audiences of both grown-ups and kids across the globe will not only enjoy the beautiful imagery and exciting story, but also discover and hear our message that we have been working on all these years: Love and kindness win, and love is the most precious thing we humans have. But now, there is one more thing to add: Peace is the most precious and valuable thing we can ever have.” The film’s producer, Egor Olesov, adds, “Mavka strives for peace in her world like millions of Ukrainians and people across the globe do. We are at the final stages of production, we keep on producing even in these times of war — our team and artists work from the bomb shelters, in ex-occupied territories, being displaced abroad and within Ukraine. Mavka will be delivered on time as planned: the fourth quarter of 2022. We are grateful to every member of our team for their outstanding efforts. And for us, Mavka is not just a one-off feature film: not only it has already grown into an IP with a high brand awareness locally, but we are looking into expanding its universe further: We’re developing the idea for an animated Mavka series to follow the release of the movie. “Mavka is an ambassador of hope,” concludes Eliseeva. “She resisted and defeated evil, as the people of Ukraine have done and will continue to do in the future.”
