The animated film "Mavka" will become a series

It is reported that the Ukrainian studio Animagrad (Film.UA) and the French company TeamTO are working on a 12-episode prequel, which will introduce several new characters. 

Variety has reported on this development.

The project, which will be presented at Annecy's Partners Pitch, will serve as a prequel to the film, according to Ksenia Baranova from Film.UA. She explains, "The events take place immediately after the battle between humans and the Forest Spirit, the guardian of the forest, which occurred while the rest of the forest inhabitants were in a deep winter sleep."

In each of the 12 episodes, Mavka and her friends will face new challenges and undertake tasks to help the forest recover from the battle and restore order and harmony. Baranova adds, "Together with the frogling Kvas, the grasshopper Huk, and other mavkas, Mavka will experience unexpected, fun, and sometimes dangerous adventures in the forest. While trying to take care of their home, they explore it and uncover numerous secrets."

"We see this as a potential franchise. We have already launched a dance show, and we will plan for a sequel," says producer Irina Kostyuk, as reported by Variety. "When we started developing the film eight years ago, we called it 'The World of Mavka,' envisioning it as a multi-platform cross-media project. Even before its release, we concluded numerous licensing and trade agreements, which is unprecedented in our market."

Despite the war, during which animators worked from bomb shelters, "Mavka: The Forest Song" became the highest-grossing film in Ukraine and the highest-grossing animation. It surpassed Hollywood hits like "The Secret Life of Pets," "Minions," and both parts of "Frozen," enthusiastically shares Kostyuk. Currently, "Mavka" has been sold in more than 80 countries, being the "first Ukrainian film to be released widely," including France, Italy, Spain, Australia, and Germany.

"The film has been or will be released everywhere except China, and negotiations are underway for Japan and South Africa. Our partners are impressed with how well it is being done," Kostyuk adds, mentioning that many countries hosting Ukrainian refugees have also released their local versions. Currently, the film has reached 1.2 million views in Ukraine alone.

"With only half of the cinemas currently operating, 10 million people displaced outside the country, and screenings interrupted due to flight cancellations, these are stunning results. Families watch it multiple times—it's a phenomenon," says Kostyuk, acknowledging that although "the war affects everything" and "it is extremely important for the creative industry to continue working."

"Children don't care where their film comes from. They don't care that we had to build it during the war. They value the story and the hero, their humor, and visual language. Girls now want to be like Mavka. They even dye their hair green," she says, referring to Mavka as a "unique and strong female character."

The narrative, which features reimagined folk songs, also offers a glimpse into relatively unknown Ukrainian mythology. "Disney had princesses from all over the world, but not from Ukraine. With runes on her face, hair color, and all these rituals, Mavka is a new heroine. It's something new for the world," she notes.

"Animation helps children. The box office results of 'Mavka' have shown how much people need beautiful stories," says Anastasia Verlinska, the director of the animation festival "Linoleum." "Together with their families, in the presence of loved ones, they forget about the war for an hour or two. Animation is one of the best tools for art therapy, but it's not just an escape. It's about processing and reflecting on the events happening around you. You can also learn something through the film," she adds.

As reported by The Gaze, the dubbed version of the Ukrainian animated film "Mavka: The Forest Song" recently started its wide theatrical release in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The release in Poland and the Baltic countries will begin on June 14.