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Features
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.
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ince 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 do-
mestic 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
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june|july 22
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