Mavka.

Forest Song

Finally! After 8 years of hard work on the film and almost 200 million hryvnias
spent on the project, Mavka has arrived on the big screens. The film has been
eagerly anticipated, with lots of buzz and excitement in the film community.

At first, the trailers for the film weren't very impressive. The last one, in particular, didn't 1
seem to show anything extraordinary and left some people disappointed. However, on
a) What is your favorite
February 24, the studio released a special version of the trailer to commemorate the
movie/animated film?
anniversary of a significant event, and this version received a positive response from the Why?
audience. b) Look at the title. Do
Mavka is based on a drama called Forest Song by Ukrainian writer Lesya Ukrainka. you know anything about
Even if you haven't read the synopsis or seen the characters before, you'll still be able to this animated film? If not,
understand that the film is based on this Ukrainian literary work. It's not a direct share your predictions
adaptation of the play but a retelling with some additional storylines. There are also about it.
some fun and entertaining secondary characters in the film.
The animation in Mavka is impressive, meeting modern standards and deserving
applause considering the budget. The film tells the story of two worlds—the human
world and the forest world—and their troubled coexistence. There was a battle between 2
the forest dwellers and humans in the past, which led to fear and tension between the Quickly scan the text and
two groups. answer the questions:
The main character, Kylina, returns to her homeland accompanied by a French stylist. How long did it take to
Kylina is obsessed with beauty and youth and knows about a Source of Life in the forest make the film Mavka?
that can grant eternal youth. She promises the villagers money if they find the Source What was the
and bring her its nourishing and rejuvenating moisture. One young man named Lukash audience's reaction to
agrees to help her in order to earn money for his sick uncle's medicine. the initial trailers?
What is Mavka based
In the forest, Lukash encounters Mavka. The film incorporates elements of Ukrainian
on?
folklore and addresses historical events and the struggle for freedom and the right to live
What is the main
on one's land. It also features music, including the flute played by Lukash and
character, Kylina,
performances by the popular Ukrainian group DakhaBrakha.
looking for in the
Mavka is a timely film that captures the spirit of Ukraine today, with its fight against
forest?
darkness and oppression. Despite initial doubts and skepticism, the film has proven to What are some
be a success, both in terms of artistic quality and its relevance to the current times. It will elements that the film
soon be released worldwide, allowing audiences in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa incorporates?
to experience Ukrainian strength, culture, and identity.
Mavka is launching at the beginning of spring, a mystical season in Ukraine that
symbolizes new beginnings. It marks the start of a new cinema season and brings
Ukrainian movies back to the big screens, inspiring hope for victory of good over evil and
light over darkness.
3
Read the text. Summarize the main points
of the text in your own words. For example:
What are the two worlds portrayed in
the film?
What themes does Mavka address?
What role does music play in the film?
 4 WRITING
In groups of four choose one section of the
text. Read your section and create a short
presentation summarizing the key
information. Then present your section to
5
the class. Imagine that you have just watched the film
Mavka. Write a movie review. Here you
have some tips about writing a review for
remembering.

Introduction:
DISCUSSION Introduce the title of the movie, book, or media you are
reviewing.
Provide a brief overview of what it is about.

6 Summary:
Give a concise summary of the plot or main ideas.
In small groups discuss topics related to the
Avoid spoilers and focus on the key points that stood out
text below: to you.
The significance of incorporating
Ukrainian folklore in Mavka. Opinion:
Clearly state your overall opinion of the movie or book.
The message of the film and its Provide reasons or examples to support your opinion.
relevance to Ukraine today.
The role of music in enhancing Characters:
Discuss the main characters and their roles.
storytelling.
The impact of films on cultural Writing/Directing:
identity and representation. Evaluate the quality of the writing or directing.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

Conclusion:
Summarize your thoughts and restate your overall
opinion.