A Different Mavka: FILM.UA Group to Produce a Fantasy Film Inspired by the Mythical Heroine
MAVKA. THE TRUE MYTH is an ambitious new feature film from the creative team behind the animated blockbuster MAVKA. THE FOREST SONG.
Set in modern-day Ukraine, the film remains deeply rooted in the country’s rich mythology, where mavkas - mysterious and perilous forest nymphs - lure unsuspecting souls into their world. The protagonist of this new tale is Mavka, a mystical and whimsical figure, whose fate takes an unexpected turn.
In the movie, Mavka is tasked with orchestrating the downfall of Lukian, a brilliant young biologist, within the depths of a mysterious forest lake, where mermaids and other mavkas eagerly await men’s souls to feed on them. However, instead, she falls in love with him. Yet, the dark forces of the forest will stop at nothing to keep her on their side.
Produced by Iryna Kostyuk and Anna Eliseeva and written by Yaroslav Voytseshek, MAVKA. THE TRUE MYTH reunites the creative minds behind the critically acclaimed animated film MAVKA. THE FOREST SONG, which grossed over $21 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Ukrainian film of all time and a pop culture sensation. While this new adaptation is designed for audiences aged 12 and above, fans of the original film can anticipate subtle yet meaningful connections to its animated predecessor.
The film will be directed by Katia Tsaryk, renowned for her directorial work on large-scale concert productions, music videos for top Ukrainian artists, and FILM.UA Group’s drama anthology series THOSE WHO STAYED. The film’s visual storytelling will be created by Yuriy Korol, the acclaimed cinematographer behind THE RISING HAWK, DECEMBER 31st EXPRESS, and many other successful Ukrainian projects. Meanwhile, the striking looks of the main character and the mermaids will be brought to life by Anna Osmekhina - a stylist, fashion editor, and the founder of TTSWTRS, a globally recognized fashion brand.
“Our new Mavka is inspired by ancient folk legends. She is a dual, complex character—vengeful and hostile to humans, yet with a hidden tenderness that Lukian’s love has the power to awaken. Filming is set to begin this summer. Creating the film’s mystical, enigmatic forest setting is a top priority, so we are already scouting breathtaking locations to bring this vision to life. The movie will also feature extensive visual effects,” shares producer Anna Eliseeva.
Since 2023, the Mavka brand has expanded into a full-fledged universe that extends beyond cinema. It now includes a stage dance show for children, as well as collaborations with Ukrainian businesses across diverse industries, from theme parks and toys to fashion, jewelry, restaurants, supermarkets, and more.
“The Mavka Universe offers a range of media formats tailored to audiences of all ages and tastes. We want it to become a new cultural phenomenon for the Ukrainian audience, especially for young people. Just as Lesya Ukrainka once reinterpreted the mythical Mavka, we did the same in animation. Now, we are returning to the myth’s origins, bringing the authentic Mavka into the modern world,” says producer Iryna Kostyuk.
MAVKA. THE TRUE MYTH is set for a wide theatrical release in spring 2026.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Title: MAVKA. THE TRUE MYTH
Release date: Spring 2026
Genre: Fantasy
Production: FILM.UA
Director: Katia Tsaryk
Producers: Iryna Kostyuk, Anna Eliseeva
Executive Producer: Oleksandra Lozinska
Screenwriter: Yaroslav Voytseshek
Director of Photography: Yuriy Korol
Film artist: Maksym Nimenko
Costume Design: Anna Osmekhina
Logline: Mavka, a mystical and dangerous forest nymph, is tasked with orchestrating the downfall of Lukian, a brilliant young biologist, within the depths of a mysterious forest lake, where mermaids and other mavkas eagerly await men’s souls to feed on them. However, instead, she falls in love with him. Yet, the dark forces of the forest will stop at nothing to keep her on their side.
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