February 26, 2026: A Major Release Date for Cinema
Nine new films are set to premiere in Ukrainian cinemas on February 26, 2026, with three of them being documentaries. The lineup is headlined by the Ukrainian romantic fantasy 'Mavka. The True Myth' and the American horror sequel 'Scream 7'. Other notable releases include the documentary films 'The Last Prometheus of Donbas' and 'A Simple Soldier', as well as the concert film 'Twenty One Pilots: More Than We Could Imagine'. This diverse slate offers a significant boost to the local box office and showcases a range of international productions.
Film Highlights and Details
The Ukrainian fantasy 'Mavka. The True Myth', directed by Katya Tsaryk, was produced on a $1 million budget, excluding marketing. Its gala premiere was held on February 22 at the 'Ukraine' Palace, attracting nearly 4,000 guests. Advance screenings begin on February 26, with a nationwide release starting March 1. The film stars Arina Bocharova in the lead role, with 22-year-old Ivan Dovzhenko playing Lukyan. Filming took place in the summer of 2025.
'Scream 7', directed by Kevin Williamson, continues the popular horror franchise with a substantial budget of $45 million. Its predecessor, 'Scream 6', made over $168 million globally on a $35 million budget. Production for the new installment was based in the Canadian cities of Toronto and Hamilton. The cast includes franchise veterans Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, alongside Isabel May and Jasmin Savoy Brown.
The documentary 'The Last Prometheus of Donbas', directed by Anton Shtuka, was produced by Attention Films with support from the State Film Agency of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, and Kyivstar TV Originals. Another documentary, 'A Simple Soldier', is a co-production between Ukraine, the United States, and the United Kingdom. It won the awards for Best Documentary and the FIPRESCI prize at the Odesa International Film Festival. Co-director Artem Ryzhykov began documenting events from the first days of the full-scale invasion. The film had its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada.
Other films releasing on February 26 include:
- 'Again and Again' (USA, directed by Kevin and Matthew McManus)
- 'Class Reunion' (France, directed by Jérôme Commandeur, budget approx. €10 million)
- 'Father, Mother, Sister, Brother' (USA, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, directed by Jim Jarmusch)
- 'Robin Hood and the Forest Guardians' (United Kingdom, Ireland, directed by Phil Hawkins)
'Father, Mother, Sister, Brother' won the Golden Lion at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and has grossed approximately $7 million worldwide. It was filmed in New Jersey (USA), Dublin (Ireland), and Paris (France). The concert documentary 'Twenty One Pilots: More Than We Could Imagine', directed by Mark C. Eshleman, captures the band's performance in Mexico City before an audience of over 65,000. The band Twenty One Pilots are also Grammy Award winners.
This wave of releases marks a pivotal moment for Ukrainian cinema, demonstrating growth through state support and international partnerships. The presentation of 'Mavka' highlights the rising profile of Ukrainian animation, while documentaries like 'The Last Prometheus of Donbas' continue to focus global attention on critical social issues. Amid ongoing conflict, these films serve as vital cultural artifacts that reflect contemporary Ukrainian realities and resilience.