From the creators of "Silent Nava”: filming has begun on "Bolotnyk," a new original detective series for Kyivstar TV
Following "Silent Nava”, the teams at Kyivstar TV and SFERA FILM are continuing their collaboration on a new story—one filled with secrets, psychological tension, and unexpected plot twists. Filming has recently begun on “Bolotnyk”, a six-episode original series for the platform. It is a detective drama with thriller elements, in which the investigation into the disappearance of several young women leads to a secluded community shrouded in chilling legends. The premiere is scheduled for 2027.
“Bolotnyk” will be the latest addition to Kyivstar TV’s lineup of original Ukrainian content. The new series blends an intense criminal investigation and psychological drama with the atmosphere of a mystical thriller, where the line between ancient legends and real-life crimes gradually begins to blur.
"We are consistently developing our own series production at Kyivstar TV and investing in Ukrainian stories capable of captivating viewers from the very first minutes and keeping them on the edge of their seats until the finale. Building on "Silent Nava”, we are continuing to focus on gripping detective stories and psychological thrillers. “Bolotnyk” is not just about investigating mysterious crimes; it is also a story about guilt, loss, and the attempt to return to life after enduring a tragedy. Here, the detective intrigue intertwines with complex human stories, and the tension intensifies with every episode." "These are precisely the kinds of projects we want to create for Kyivstar TV—genre-driven, emotional, featuring compelling characters and stories that stay with the viewer long after the final credits roll," comments Nataliia Panchenko, Director of Content Strategy at Kyivstar TV.
Anna Honchar and Dmytro Safanovskyi serve as producers for “Bolotnyk”, with production handled by SFERA FILM. Notably, this marks the second Kyivstar TV Original created in collaboration with this creative team. Their first joint project was "Silent Nava”—one of the most prominent Ukrainian series of 2026. This time, the creators immerse viewers in the world of a small village, where ancient beliefs, fear, and a long-standing silence conceal dangerous secrets.
"Following the release of "Silent Nava”, we saw how deeply the story resonated with viewers—its atmosphere, visual language, cinematography, and narrative depth. For us, this served as a significant confirmation that the Ukrainian audience is ready for bold genre projects that push beyond conventional formats. That is why, today, we begin work on “Bolotnyk” with great enthusiasm—a detective thriller designed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end. We aim to experiment with genres, explore fresh visual approaches, and craft complex, morally ambiguous characters. We believe that “Bolotnyk” will mark another step forward in the development of high-quality Ukrainian series content—content capable of surprising, captivating, and leaving a lasting emotional impact," says Anna Honchar, the project's producer.
The plot follows Daria Melnyk, a journalism student and the daughter of former military man Pavlo Melnyk, as she travels to the village of Ocheretne to report on the mysterious disappearance of several young women. When Daria herself suddenly vanishes, Melnyk heads to Ocheretne to find her. As he delves into the secrets of a community where everyone has something to hide, Melnyk uncovers the chilling tale of a maniac known as "Bolotnyk"—a figure some locals regard as a near-mythical spirit of the swamps. But what truly lies behind these disappearances: an ancient curse, or a very real evil that has gone unpunished for years? One of the defining features of “Bolotnyk” is its blend of a realistic detective story, a mystical atmosphere, and a distinct local flavor. A closed-off community with its own set of rules, ancient beliefs, and a swamp that seems to have a life of its own—all combine to create a world where it is difficult to distinguish fact from fiction. Yet, beneath the eerie legends, very real human motives, hidden conflicts, and crimes gradually emerge. This dual nature of evil serves as one of the series' central mysteries.
The cast of “Bolotnyk” also deserves special mention, bringing together a stellar group of actors from various generations of Ukrainian film, theater, and television. The ensemble includes Oleksandr Kobzar, Kostiantyn Oktiabrskyi, Serhii Derevianko, Mariia Vysnevska, Kateryna Varchenko, Ostap Stupka, Slava Babenkov, Ihor Koltovskyi, and others.
The series is being brought to life by a formidable creative team with extensive experience in producing both feature films and hit television shows: director Oleksandr Kyriienko, director of photography Serhii Revutskyi, and screenwriter Andrii Vyshtak.
Stay tuned to Kyivstar TV for the latest updates on the production of “Bolotnyk” and new details regarding its upcoming premiere.
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Background:
Kyivstar TV is a joint project between 1+1 media and Kyivstar, launched on December 11, 2019. It is a film and television platform that provides users with access to hundreds of thousands of hours of domestic and international content, as well as live broadcasts. It also regularly offers exclusive pre-premiere screenings. The platform features over 430 TV channels and a VOD library containing 20,000 films, series, cartoons, and shows. For more information, visit: tv.kyivstar.ua
