"MAVKA. THE FOREST SONG," AN UKRAINIAN GLOBAL PHENOMENON

Animated feature film from Film UA, "Mavka. The Forest Song," started its wide theatrical release across the world, and it is already a big hit in Ukraine, where it became the highest-grossing local film ever and the highest-grossing animated feature ever released in the country. "Our story is based on Ukrainian myths and legends and partially on Lesya Ukrainka's classic poem, but we made it more modern and relevant, including fundamental human values such as true love, friendship, dedication, and how good will always overcome evil. That is why it resonated so much with the audience during these hard times for our country," producer Anna Eliseeva explained Señal News. "Mavka is a unique female character, and her features attract children worldwide. Green hair, magic in her eyes, and a profound connection with nature. Mavka is unlike anyone else, and girls want to be like Mavka," she described.

The Animated Feature Film Producers

ANNA ELISEEVA, IRYNA KOSTYUK, AND DIRECTOR

OLEG MALAMUZH TALK ABOUT THE LATEST GLOBAL HIT COMING FROM UKRAINE, AND THE PLANS FOR THE IP, EVEN IN DIFFICULT TIMES FOR THE COUNTRY.

More than 80 countries have already acquired the film's distribution rights. "The animated feature had been presold in more than 20 territories before its release. Professionals saw the high quality of the film and were confident in its further success. Up to now, the film has been sold to more than 80 countries. That means that Ukrainian animation not just survived but strengthened its position during the turbulent we have already started developing the series and new animated feature film based on 'Mavka. The Forest Song.' We are also developing the 'Roxelana' feature film, which had already been selected to be pitched at Cartoon Movie this year," Kostyuk noted.

 Iryna Kostyuk times of the pandemic and, eventually, war," producer Iryna Kostyuk stated. "Our team continued the production despite everything, under different life circumstances, intending to deliver the film around the world and export Ukrainian culture and values," she added.

Despite "Mavka. The Forest Song" global hit, Film UA does not stop working on new projects. "We have not had time to move away from the active period of releasing the movie, which still continues, and

Moreover, Oleg Malamuzh, Director of the "Mavka. The Forest Song," asserted that the Ukrainian animation industry needs funding and more robust communication on its quality and potential. "But communications without funding boost the process of hunting talented artists by international studios. So, by now, funding is the primary need," Malamuzh affirmed.

By Romina Rodríguez