Natalka Vorozhbyt's Film Selected for Prestigious Swiss Film Festival

'Demons' to Screen at Locarno Film Festival

According to РБК-Україна — Lite: Natalka Vorozhbyt's feature 'Demons' has been selected for the 79th Locarno Film Festival, running from August 5 to 15 in Switzerland. The film is competing in the Concorso Cineasti del Presente section, which showcases first and second feature-length works by directors. Set in the early 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the story emphasizes a historically significant period.

'Demons' is Vorozhbyt's second full-length film, following her debut 'Bad Roads,' which was Ukraine's submission for the Academy Awards. She also wrote the screenplay for the film 'Cyborgs' and served as showrunner for the popular series 'Catch Kaydash.'

For actress Ruslana Pysanka, the role of Nina became her final major film performance-she passed away in July 2022 during production. At the time of her death, nearly all of her scenes had been completed. The filmmakers later adjusted several final episodes but preserved the core vision. The film is dedicated to Pysanka's memory.

Natalka Vorozhbyt: 'Ruslana was an extraordinarily talented, profound actress and a true star who, unfortunately, was never able to fully realize her gift during her lifetime. I believe that in 'Demons' we managed to capture the true scale of her acting nature on screen.'

Co-Production and Release Plans

'Demons' is a Ukrainian-Polish co-production supported by the Ukrainian State Film Agency and the Polish Film Institute. International sales are handled by the French company Celluloid Dreams. The project won a grant for international promotion of Ukrainian cinema. The film is slated for theatrical release in Ukraine on March 18, 2027.

Screening at the Locarno International Film Festival marks a significant milestone for raising global awareness of Ukrainian cinema. By weaving personal narratives with historical context, the film is poised to attract attention from both audiences and critics. Given its dedication to Ruslana Pysanka, her involvement in the project may further amplify interest in the film and its themes.