Mavka: The Forest Song (2023)
A breathtaking Ukrainian animated fantasy where a forest spirit must choose between love and her sacred duty as Guardian of the Heart of the Forest.
Mavka: The Forest Song - Movie Information
- Original Title: Мавка: Лісова пісня
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Oleg Malamuzh, Oleksandra Ruban
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Original Language: Ukrainian
- Spoken Languages: Ukrainian
- Release Date (Theatrical): March 2, 2023 (United Arab Emirates), July 28, 2023 (United Kingdom - PG), June 8, 2023 (Germany - 6), March 29, 2023 (France - TP), April 6, 2023 (Australia - PG), September 21, 2023 (Brazil - L), April 20, 2023 (Italy), April 28, 2023 (Spain - Ai), October 18, 2023 (South Korea - ALL)
- Alternative Titles: Le Royaume de Naya (FR), מבקה: שיר היער (IL), 마브카: 더 포레스트 송 (KR), MAVKA - Skogens sjel (NO), Mavka i strażnicy lasu (PL), Mavka: A Canção da Floresta (BR), Мавка. Лісова пісня (UA), Mavka: Waldlied (DE)
- Production Companies: Animagrad Animation Studio, 3Beep, FILM.UA Group, Ukrainian State Film Agency, B-Water Animation Studios
- Production Countries: Ukraine
Mavka: The Forest Song - Plot
Mavka, a Soul of the Forest, faces an impossible choice between love and her duty as Guardian of the Heart of the Forest when she falls for a human, a talented young musician named Lukas.
Mavka: The Forest Song - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the enchanting world of Mavka come to life:
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Mavka: The Forest Song - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Oleg Malamuzh
- Oleksandra Ruban
Main Cast
- Natalka Denysenko
- Artem Pyvovarov
- Nazar Zadniprovskyi
- Oleh Skrypka
- Olena Kravets
- Serhii Prytula
- Oleh Mykhailiuta
- Nataliia Sumska
- Julia Sanina
- Mykhailo Khoma
Writers
- Yaroslav Voytseshek
- Jeffrey Hylton
Producers
- Anna Eliseyeva
- Yehor Olesov
- Iryna Kostiuk
Mavka: The Forest Song - FAQs
What is Mavka: The Forest Song about?
Mavka: The Forest Song follows Mavka, a mystical Forest Soul and Guardian of the Heart of the Forest, who falls in love with Lukas, a gifted young human musician. Torn between her sacred duty and her heart, she must navigate a world where nature and humanity collide. It's a visually stunning tale rooted in Ukrainian folklore.
Is Mavka: The Forest Song based on Ukrainian folklore?
Yes! The film draws deeply from Ukrainian mythology and folklore, inspired by Lesya Ukrainka's classic 1912 dramatic poem of the same name. Mavka is a traditional forest spirit from Slavic legend, and the film weaves authentic folk motifs, music, and visual traditions into its animated world.
Where can you stream Mavka: The Forest Song?
You can stream Mavka: The Forest Song on Hulu. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home — so there are plenty of ways to watch it.
Does Mavka: The Forest Song have a happy ending?
Without giving too much away, the ending is bittersweet and emotionally resonant — true to the spirit of classic folklore. Mavka's journey resolves in a way that honors both love and sacrifice, leaving audiences moved rather than simply satisfied. It's the kind of ending that stays with you.
Who are the main voice actors in this film?
The cast features Natalka Denysenko as Mavka and Artem Pyvovarov as Lukas, alongside Nazar Zadniprovskyi, Oleh Skrypka, Olena Kravets, Serhii Prytula, Nataliia Sumska, and Julia Sanina. Many are celebrated Ukrainian performers, lending the film an authentic cultural voice.
Is Mavka: The Forest Song suitable for young children?
Mavka: The Forest Song is rated PG, making it suitable for most children with some parental guidance. It contains mild fantasy peril and emotionally complex themes around love and loss, but nothing overly intense. Families with kids aged 6 and up should find it a rewarding watch together.
How was Mavka: The Forest Song received by critics?
Critics praised the film for its breathtaking animation, rich Ukrainian cultural identity, and emotional depth. It was celebrated as a landmark achievement for Ukrainian animation, earning comparisons to Studio Ghibli for its lush visuals and heartfelt storytelling. Audiences responded warmly, helping it gross nearly $18 million worldwide.
Who directed Mavka: The Forest Song?
The film was co-directed by Oleg Malamuzh and Oleksandra Ruban, both working under Ukraine's Animagrad Animation Studio. It was a landmark production for Ukrainian cinema, made with a budget of around $5 million and representing years of dedicated creative work from a large team of Ukrainian artists.
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