The Konotop Witch (film)
| The Konotop Witch | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Andriy Kolesnyk |
| Written by | Yaroslav Voytseshek |
| Produced by | Iryna Kostiuk |
| Starring | Tetiana Malkova Taras Tsymbaliuk Olena Khokhlatkina Pavlo Vyshniakov Ivan Sharan Yaroslav Shakhtorin |
| Cinematography | Kostiantyn Ponomariov |
| Music by | Oleksandr Chorny |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | FILM.UA Distribution |
Release date |
|
Running time | 100 minutes |
| Country | Ukraine |
| Languages | Ukrainian Russian |
| Box office | ₴57.4 million |
The Konotop Witch is a 2024 Ukrainian mystical horror film directed by Andriy Kolesnyk, produced by Iryna Kostiuk, and written by Yaroslav Voytseshek. The composer was Oleksandr Chorny, with casting handled by Olena Shliakhova. Visual effects were created by Postmodern Postproduction. The costume designer was Iryna iSky, a military photographer from the 59th Brigade named after Yakiv Handziuk. The film's soundtrack features a song by Zlata Ognevich.[1]
The film premiered on August 22, 2024, two days before Independence Day.
Plot
An ancient witch from Konotop long ago renounced her magical powers. Now, she lives an ordinary life with her Ukrainian boyfriend, Andriy. However, her peaceful existence crumbles when the Russian invasion of Ukraine begins, and the city is partially occupied by invaders. In an attempt to save his beloved, Andriy dies in her arms. The woman reclaims her powers and seeks brutal, unrelenting revenge on the occupiers.
The central symbol of the film is the “Witch’s Amulet ‘Helm of Awe,’” which combines the Witch’s power, the “Helm of Awe” rune, and elements of embroidery from the Sumy region, where Konotop is located. These symbols are imbued with energy that instills fear in adversaries and compels them to flee.[2]
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Tetiana Malkova | Olena |
| Taras Tsymbaliuk | Andriy |
| Olena Khokhlatkina | Yevdokiya |
| Pavlo Vyshniakov | Rovny |
| Ivan Sharan | Bandos |
| Yaroslav Shakhtorin | Kartavy |
| Artem Sahitov | Ufa |
| Serhiy Sosnovtsev | Rusik |
| Vladyslav Verbytsky | Kalash |
| Rostyslav Fomenko | Zayets |
| Mykyta Slobodiuk | Maly |
| Mykola Holovchak | Sych |
| Serhiy Anipchenko | Katok |
| Daniil Kino | Ryzhy |
| French Bulldog Charlie | Ozzy |
| Iryna Rozhdestvenska | Woman on Bicycle |
| Oleksandra Pankova | Katya |
| Viktor Zhdanov | Old Man |
| Marharyta Liubomska | Neighbor |
| Volodymyr Rashchuk | AFU Soldier |
| Daniel Salem | AFU Soldier |
| Nazar Grabar | AFU Soldier |
| Oleksandr Pecherytsia | AFU Soldier |
| Ernest Liubarchuk | Child |
Production
Filming began on November 23, 2023. The filmmakers drew inspiration from ancient Ukrainian legends and beliefs, as well as a real incident early in the 2022 Russian invasion when a Konotop woman cursed the occupiers, proclaiming that “every second woman in Konotop is a witch”.[3] The teaser for the film was released on June 22, 2023.[4]
Reception
Over 14 weeks in Ukrainian theaters, the film sold 358,627 tickets, grossing ₴57,443,591.[5][6] This achievement placed the film in the top three horror films in the history of Ukrainian cinema.
In 2024, The Konotop Witch ranked ninth in the top 10 films at the Ukrainian box office.[7]
Merchandise
In late 2024, a card-based board game inspired by the film, titled The Konotop Witch, was released by the publisher Rozum. The game was designed by Ostap Hevko.[8]
References
- ^ ""A True Ode to Female Strength": Ognevich Releases Soundtrack for the Film "Konotop Witch"". Archived from the original on 2025-04-22. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ "Ukrainian Horror "Konotop Witch" Now in Theaters: Why You Should Watch This Film and What Are the Reviews". Archived from the original on 2025-01-17. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ A Film About Revenge: FILM.UA Begins Shooting the Horror Film "Konotop Witch" Archived 2024-06-18 at the Wayback Machine. film.ua.
- ^ Presenting the Teaser for the Horror Film "Konotop Witch," the First Project in FILM.UA Group's Horror Lineup with Ukrainian Mythological Background Archived 2024-06-18 at the Wayback Machine. film.ua.
- ^ Valigura, Marina (September 17, 2024). "Film Konotop Witch Grossed Over $1 Million at the Box Office". Korrespondent.net (in Ukrainian). Retrieved September 23, 2024.
- ^ Horlach, Polina (2025-01-07). "Distributor on How Much Ukrainian Films Earned at the Box Office in 2024". Suspiline (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 2025-01-11. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
- ^ "Franchises Lead the Pack: The 10 Highest-Grossing Films of 2024 Earned Over ₴840 Million in Ukraine. Who Grossed the Most (Ukrainian Films Included) — Forbes.ua". forbes.ua (in Ukrainian). 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2025-01-30.
- ^ "Konotop Witch - Board Game". rozum.com.ua (in Ukrainian). ROZUM Online Store. Archived from the original on 2024-12-19. Retrieved 2024-12-16.