The film “The Guardians of Christmas” became №1 among Ukrainian releases of the weekend, bringing together almost 40,000 viewers
Despite difficult conditions and power outages, Ukrainians came to cinemas en masse this past weekend. The Christmas comedy by 1+1 media and UnitedContentHUB “The Guardians of Christmas”, which was released nationwide on November 13, gathered the largest number of viewers among Ukrainian films this weekend (13–16.11). Thus, in its first days of release, the film was watched by 39,283 viewers, and its box office gross amounted to 6,652,523 UAH.
“We are infinitely grateful to everyone who came to the screenings — often literally in the dark. ‘The Guardians of Christmas’ is a story that moves, inspires, and restores faith in miracles. And we are happy that Ukrainians felt this together with us”, — said Maksym Kryvytskyi, Head of the Television Business at 1+1 media.
A series of special screenings also took place over the weekend: in Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, and Lviv. The main actors — Ivan Blindar, Mykhailo Kukuiuk, and Arina Trehub — also joined the events. The release continues, and tickets can be purchased on cinema websites or via the link.
Additionally, the international release of “The Guardians of Christmas” has begun, where the film is showing strong audience interest. A successful premiere was held in the USA, with screenings planned in 15 cities throughout November–December, 8 of which are already sold out. The film premiered in Tel Aviv on November 17, with screenings scheduled in two more Israeli cities. Ahead are international premieres in Canada, Germany, and Latvia, where interest in the Ukrainian holiday story is also rapidly growing.
“Ukrainian cinema is filling theaters all over the world — and ‘The Guardians of Christmas’ continues this trend, carrying warmth and faith in miracles far beyond Ukraine, where many of our people also live and likewise long for wonder and warmth”, — added Tetiana Shulika, co-author and producer of the project.
At the center of the plot are three legendary magical figures: Saint Nicholas (Ivan Blindar), Santa Claus (Mykhailo Kukuiuk), and the ancient Spirit of Winter (Stanislav Boklan). Secretly meeting on the eve of the holiday, they try to decide in a civilized way who should take care of Christmas. But everything changes when an accidental wish from a little girl named Vira (Arina Trehub) erases this day from the entire world. The holiday disappears from people’s memory, and the main characters lose their magical powers. They must unite to restore faith in miracles — and with it, bring Christmas back.
Among the stars who joined the film are Kateryna Kuznetsova, Roman Lutskyi, Iryna Ostrovska, Tina Karol, whose track “Vohnyky” serves as the film’s OST, Bumper and Sus, Lera Mandziuk, and others.
Film crew:
Director — Oleksandr Kirienko, producers — Tetiana Shulika, Anna Honchar, co-producers — Oleksii Lymarenko and Andrii Nohin. Screenwriters — Tetiana Shulika and Tamara Hrantovska, director of Photography — Volodymyr Shklyarevskyi.
Main partner of the film — Korolivskyi Smak, General partner — Ukrzoloto, Official partner — METRO.
Media partners: Kyivstar TV film & television platform, TV channels 1+1 Ukraine and TET, Viva! magazine, positive news outlet SHOTAM, online publication TyKyiv, and Radio Pyatnytsia.
Partners of the film: city24, Diia, Faini Lody ice cream, JSC Ukrposhta.
Distributor — B&H Film Distribution.
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