Mavka: The Forest Song

Deep in an ancient forest, Mavka, the forest's soul and guardian of a sacred Heart, finds herself drawn to a human musician named Lukas. Their growing connection crosses a line between two very different worlds, testing her duties to protect the living heart of the wood. As the match between woods and man deepens, Mavka must weigh the cost of love against the responsibilities that keep the forest safe. The tale centers on choice, consequence, and fragile trust, with a lush, magical atmosphere that invites families to believe in what music can awaken in the natural world. The forest comes alive with bright colors and a chorus of creatures, underscoring themes of hope, care, and courage. Courage shines through peril.

Directed by Oleg Malamuzh and Oleksandra Ruban, the film reimagines Ukrainian folklore for modern animation. Based on works by Lesia Ukrainka with Yaroslav Voytseshek and Jeffrey Hylton, it arrived with a budget of about 5 million dollars and broad ambitions.

It grossed 17,974,964 worldwide against a 5 million budget, signaling a solid return for a regional animated feature and underscoring its appeal to families beyond its home market. The result highlights Ukrainian storytelling in cinema today for international families worldwide.

The movie adds to Ukraine's growing voice in animation by blending folklore with contemporary visuals and music. Mavka's guarded forest, sung by creatures and trees, becomes a shared space for family audiences, inspiring conversations about nature, sacrifice, and the reach of art. The music and performances drew early praise everywhere.

Critics welcomed its warm premise and vibrant animation, highlighting the emotional core between Mavka and Lukas as a fresh take on a classic tale. Some reviews pointed to uneven pacing, but the film's messages about duty, love, and ecological balance linger after the credits, leaving audiences hopeful for diverse audiences.