Exclusive premiere of the film “The Guardians of Christmas” continues in cities across Europe, the US, and Canada
The Ukrainian feature film “The Guardians of Christmas” is set to reach international screens. Following showings in the US, Latvia, and Israel, the film is now in Germany, with screenings planned in Spain, Switzerland, and Canada.
The organizers note that for Ukrainians abroad, these screenings have become not just a trip to the cinema, but an opportunity to feel the warmth of their native language, humor, and Christmas traditions that unite families and generations.
USA: nearly two dozen sold-out screenings and emotional unity
In the United States, the release of The Guardians of Christmas has become a real phenomenon. The first completely sold-out screenings appeared back in October, long before the December showings. To date, the number of sold-out screenings across the country is approaching two dozen, and screenings continue — new cities are being added, and the film continues to draw full houses. Tickets are available here.
”The Guardians of Christmas" is a warm, family-friendly film that unites generations and restores faith in miracles. We are thrilled to see this story receive such a lively and sincere response from audiences across America. The first sold-out screenings in December were already in October. This is the strongest evidence of how eagerly the Ukrainian audience was waiting for this Christmas comedy. Today, we already have more than 18 sold-out screenings in different cities. And this is not just the success of one film — it is confirmation that Ukrainian cinema has become an essential event for the diaspora, an emotional point of unity and a real celebration," commented Maria Kharahash, founder of Ukrainian Films USA, a project for the distribution of modern Ukrainian cinema in the United States.
Latvia: nostalgia for Christmas warmth in the native language
In Riga, the film generated strong interest even before its release. Tickets sold out, and viewer requests continued to come in steadily.
"From the first days of the announcement of the screening of The Guardians of Christmas in Riga, there was an extraordinary response. Educational centers called and requested 20-30 tickets. The tickets sold out pretty quickly. It seemed people were seeking warm Christmas movies in their native language. They repeatedly asked whether any seats were left. Thank you to all the creators and organizers of the film for the opportunity to create a Ukrainian Christmas atmosphere in Riga!" — Artem Chuiko, founder of Ukrainian Bookstore and EVAMEDIA.
Israel: more than just a movie — a real holiday
In Israel, screenings of The Guardians of Christmas were held as part of a family festival, featuring actors, photo booths, and prize drawings.
"Our screenings took place in the format of a family holiday festival — there were actors, a photo zone, and prize drawings. We always do more than just cinema. It was this atmosphere that people missed, and it became a real holiday for them. One of the screenings was presented by the soundtrack's author, Anna Kovalyova, who talked about how she wrote the festive winter hit in the middle of the Israeli heat," said Svitlana Kozyreva, Created in Ukraine.
Europe and Canada: the story continues
Currently, the film “Guardians of Christmas” is being shown in Germany, and in the near future, Ukrainian Christmas cinema will be seen by viewers in Spain, Switzerland, and Canada. Follow the announcements of new screenings on the film's Instagram and Facebook pages.
Each new screening confirms that the demand for contemporary Ukrainian cinema abroad is growing, and Christmas stories in the native language remain particularly valuable.
“The Guardians of Christmas” has become an example of how a Ukrainian film can successfully travel the world, uniting communities and creating a space for shared emotions. For Ukrainians abroad, it is not just a movie but a sense of home, celebration, and a living connection to Ukraine, regardless of their country of residence.
The film's plot centers on three legendary wizards: Saint Nicholas (Ivan Blindar), Santa Claus (Mykhailo Kukuyuk), and the ancient Spirit of Winter (Stanislav Boklan). After meeting secretly on the eve of the holiday, they try to decide civilly who should handle Christmas. But everything changes when the accidental wish of a little girl, Vira (Arina Tregub), erases this day from the whole world. The holiday disappears from people's memories, and the main characters lose their magical powers. They must unite to restore faith in miracles — and with it, Christmas.
Film crew:
The film was directed by Oleksandr Kirienko, produced by Tetiana Shulika and Anna Gonchar, and co-produced by Oleksii Lymarenko and Andrii Nogin. Screenwriters: Tetiana Shulika and Tamara Grantovska; cinematographer: Volodymyr Shklyarevsky. The film was produced by 1+1 Media in partnership with UnitedContentHUB.
