A delightful, family-friendly animated film which smashed box office records in Ukraine earlier this year will be shown at Frome’s Merlin Theatre. The screening on Friday 13th October will play the film in the original Ukrainian with English subtitles.
Inspired by Ukrainian folklore, Mavka: The Forest Song is a rich celebration of Ukrainian culture and the natural world. The film follows forest sprite Mavka as she fights to fulfil her duty as guardian to the Heart of the Forest.
Mavka combines themes of protecting and cherishing the natural world and the importance of kindness with Ukrainian stories, costumes and music. All of the settings in the film are based on real places in Ukraine, and the soundtrack comprises traditional Ukrainian instruments and throat singing along with modern adaptations of Ukrainian folk tunes.
Frome Hub Advice Officer Iryna Ladyzhenska says: “I’m so excited for this special screening of Mavka. It is a really beautiful film, made over 7 years and released in Ukraine in March 2023. Despite the war in Ukraine it still set box office records, inspiring people to celebrate Ukrainian culture at a time when it is being attacked.”
“It’s so important for everyone who has had to leave their home country to have opportunities for cultural connection, and being able to watch this film in the original Ukrainian will be wonderful experience for many families who have come here from Ukraine. I hope lots of Frome residents come and enjoy the film too – it is a family film with a message that everyone can be inspired by.”
Tickets are £5 per person. Doors and bar will open at 5pm for a 6pm start. Book your tickets online or call the Merlin Theatre box office on 01373 465949.
Free tickets are available for displaced people from Ukraine and all other countries via the Frome Welcome Hub. Come to the hub at Frome Town Hall on Tuesdays 10am-3pm, call Iryna on 01373 475 579 or email iladyzhenska@frometowncouncil.gov.uk for more information.
