Ukrainian films to be released in 2023: part 1

In this selection, we have gathered Ukrainian films that have already been released and are only scheduled to be shown in cinemas in 2023. These films will tell us unique stories about the power of the spirit, national pride, love and devotion. They will introduce us to Ukrainian heroes, revealing their inner worlds and attitudes towards the world around them. You will find unpredictable adventures, powerful dramas, deep emotions and many other storylines that will touch your hearts and leave an unforgettable impression. Each movie is a sophisticated craftsmanship that combines talented actors, high-tech directing and breathtaking visual effects.

Carol of the Bells

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The recreated story tells the story of three families of different nationalities who worked together to resist totalitarian regimes: Ukrainian, Polish, and Jewish. These families lived in the same house in the city of Stanislaviv (modern-day Ivano-Frankivsk), and the film covers the period from 1938.

In this film project, one empire displaces another, political regimes come into conflict, and the world around us is changing rapidly. However, the legendary song “Shchedryk” plays a key role in the movie. According to the authors’ idea, this song becomes a symbol of traditions and the strength of a family that can withstand abuse, bans and regime changes.

The script was written by Ksenia Zastavska and directed by Olesya Morgunets-Isaenko, who helped bring this idea to life.

Pamfir

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This is the debut feature film by Dmytro Sukholytkyi-Sobchuk. The dramatic story takes place in western Ukraine on the eve of the traditional Malanka carnival. The protagonist, Pamfir, returns home to find out that his son has set fire to a house of worship. Forced to confront his criminal past again, Pamfir is looking for a way to “make amends” for his sins and correct his son’s terrible mistakes.

How does the protagonist find the path to repentance and how does he try to correct the terrible mistakes he and his son have made? This is the question that paves the way for the further development of the plot in this film.

Pub

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The story centers on a screenwriter, Ivan Gerasimov, who is suffering from a creative crisis. He is in a desperate situation because he could not complete his new script on time. On top of that, Ivan has spent all his fees, and his client is an influential criminal mastermind. His only chance for salvation is to run away.

Ivan soon finds himself in a local brothel called Perekrestia, where he meets people who help him understand himself and finally write a fascinating and insightful story. In this unexpected environment, Ivan finds inspiration and support that helps him overcome obstacles and regain his creative power.

Myrnyi-21

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This war drama is the work of director Akhtem Seitablayev. The action takes place on June 2, 2014, when the Luhansk border guard detachment comes under fire. Russian special services and militants are trying to force the border guard to betray their homeland, thus repeating the Crimean scenario: to seize Ukrainian territories without resistance. However, none of the soldiers agrees to go over to the side of the separatists or Russian special services, despite the promise of high salaries and positions.

Each of the characters has their own personal problems and motives that push them to do things other than what is in their hearts. Although each of them faces their own internal conflicts, together they show courage and loyalty to their homeland in a difficult situation.

Mavka: The Forest Song

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The most anticipated and highest-grossing film in the years of independent Ukraine. This animated film is based on the novel of the same name by Lesya Ukrainka. It tells the story of the magical Mavka, the soul of an ancient forest, who falls in love with a talented musician, Lukash. But their worlds are at war with each other. All this happened because of the appearance of the insidious Kilina in the village, who built a factory next to the forest in order to destroy it.

Will Mavka and Lukash be able to stop the war between people and the forest? Will they be able to prevent Kylina from conquering nature? And, most importantly, will they be able to save their love? The characters of this story will speak in the voices of talented artists who are known to the audience.

Read more: Mavka: The Forest Song – the birth of a guardian

Luxembourg, Luxembourg

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The second film from Antonio Lukic, known for his comedy My Thoughts Are Quiet, tells the story of opposite twin brothers. They receive the news that their father, who abandoned them in childhood, has died in distant Luxembourg. One of the brothers decides to go to Luxembourg to say goodbye to his father, while the other does his best to convince his brother to stay in Ukraine.

Kolya is a policeman who likes order, while Vasya is a minibus driver who always creates chaos. Their different outlooks on life create comical situations. In the end, unexpectedly for them, the brothers decide to unite and go together to meet their father. But will their hopes and expectations be met during this journey?

Rock Paper Grenade

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The film adaptation of Artem Chekh’s novel Who Are You? tells the story of Timofey and his relationships with the people who helped him grow up during the 1990s. Felix, his grandmother’s roommate, a former counterintelligence officer and a person who has suffered numerous war traumas, played a special role in the teenager’s life.

Dovbush

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This movie has become one of the most expensive Ukrainian films in history. It takes us to the Carpathians in the early 18th century, when the Polish gentry were forcing the Hutsuls to seek refuge in the mountains. Oleksa Dovbush becomes the leader of the Oprishky, a group of people’s rebels operating in the Carpathians and Galicia. In his quest for justice, Oleksa clashes with his brother Ivan, who seeks only profit.

While searching for revenge for the murder of Dovbush’s parents, the brothers become enemies of each other. This is a story about Oleksa Dovbush’s strength and love, about betrayal and injustice. It tells how he lived and how he managed to deceive death.

Read more: interesting facts about the movie Dovbush.

Reflection

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This is the story of Serhiy, a military surgeon who survived captivity and brutal torture and witnessed all the horrors of the war in eastern Ukraine. Now he is trying to return to “normal life”. After the exchange and his return home, our protagonist begins to rebuild his relationship with his 12-year-old daughter Nina and his ex-wife. He rethinks his existence, learning to be a man again, a father who knows how to love and support his loved ones.

Read more:

• Ukrainian films to be released in 2023: part 2