New trailer: 'Mavka. The Forest Song 'will be released in December

The highly anticipated Ukrainian animated film Mavka. The Forest Song (Mavka. The Song of the Forest) will finally bring its traditionally rooted magical tale to cinemas on December 29, 2022, launched in Ukraine before being launched internationally. Animagrad Studio (FILM.UA Group) will present new video materials to distributors at the European Film Market in Berlin next month, as well as two online screenings (10-17 February).

Prior to her appearance in EFM, a new international trailer and images were released, showing more of Mavka's world and the characters she encounters on her journey. "Mavka it is undoubtedly the most anticipated release in the Ukrainian animation industry ”, says CEO and producer of Animagrad Studio Egor Olesov. "This story is epic, moving and funny at the same time, and we hope it will fascinate audiences around the world."

The film tells the story of Mavka, the soul of the forest, a strong and unique female protagonist of classic literary fiction and mythology, set in a world that blends ancient Slavic myths and legends with modern fiction and new 3D animation technologies. . The filmmakers drew inspiration from ancient traditions and rituals, ornaments and motifs, authentic visual symbols in costumes, folk melodies of the Slavic peoples and also from the classic fairy-tale drama “The Forest Song” by Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrainka.

Mavka serves as the Guardian of the Heart of the Magical Forest and its Soul, and her journey begins with falling in love with a gifted musician named Lukas, an ordinary boy from the village. Her feelings force her to face an impossible choice between love and her duty to protect her world. Mavka is the embodiment of the virtues of selfless love, protection of nature, harmony and unity of two universes: the world of the forest and the world of people.

In the new trailer, viewers also meet Mavka Swampy the Kittyfrog's loyal friends, grumpy forest noise guardian Hush and beautiful water nymph Ondine, as well as main antagonist, insidious and greedy Kylina, and her henchmen. : Frol (a stylist and minion boss) and Eric and Derek (two strong, tough and straightforward mercenary brothers).

The study also revealed some of the star-studded Ukrainian voice cast, listing famous singers and celebrities. Though the voices of protagonist Mavka and a few other creatures have yet to be announced, international audiences can expect an equally brilliant list.

The film also stands out for its attention to environmental details. WWF-Ukraine consultants helped artists create fantastic locations inspired by the unique landscapes of Ukrainian forests and mountains. These are natural habitats for many rare and endangered species of animals and plants that the animation makers hope to attract attention by implementing them in the storyline and settings.

Mavka. The Forest Song (Mavka. The Song of the Forest) caused a sensation internationally when the initial teaser was unveiled at the MIFA 2017 content market in Annecy. It therefore became the only Ukrainian project selected for the Cartoon Movie presentations of the European forum in Bordeaux for two consecutive years.

"The distribution rights for the film have already been acquired by 10 companies operating in 20 international territories, including countries in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa," notes Evgeniy Drachov of FILM.UA Distribution, which handles international sales.

Over the years of its development and production, the project has grown to become a cross-media multi-platform IP with a very high level of knowledge among the local public - "Mavka Universe", which brings together people from the creative, technological and business spheres, scientific and public institutions , government agencies. Numerous licensed products have already been launched (food, books, clothing, accessories, space branding, etc.) and many more are in the pipeline, including stationery and toys. The film was created with the support of the Ukrainian State Film Agency (USFA), the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine (ICIP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

mavka.ua/en