Ukraine's First True Crime Series: The Story Behind 'Tykha Nava' and Its Mayor

The Series 'Tykha Nava'

According to Главком: Marking a significant cultural moment, 'Tykha Nava' is Ukraine's inaugural true crime television series, capturing widespread viewer interest. The eight-episode show is based on actual events, specifically the investigation into the crimes of the 'Elvis' maniac from the Vasylkiv district of the Kyiv region, who was responsible for 206 victims. For the series, the victim count has been reduced to 103, a creative decision that will undoubtedly shape the audience's perception of the narrative. This series arrives as global audiences show a growing appetite for true crime content from new perspectives.

Cast and Production

The leading roles in 'Tykha Nava' are portrayed by actors:

• Oleksandr Rudynskyi
• Mykhailo Zhorin
• Serhii Kysil
• Anastasiia Pustovit

Serhii Kysil, who plays Mayor Fomenko, auditioned for three different parts: investigator Hordiienko, police chief Kapinos, and the mayor himself. He was ultimately cast as the mayor of Tykha Nava, a role for which he had only five filming days. Production took place in Kyiv, Irpin, and across the Kyiv region, with the entire shoot lasting between 10 and 15 days.

The screenwriters for 'Tykha Nava' are Artem Kobzan, Yevheniia Savychenko, and Mark Lymarenko. Serhii Kysil, a father of three, filmed a co-production project between Italy and Israel in Sicily from October to December 2022. In February 2022, he also participated in filming for the movie 'Liutyi Berezen' (Fierce March).

The actor notes that he is personally not ready to watch films about the war, though he acknowledges such films should be more targeted toward a European audience. Serhii Kysil has also expressed a desire to play a positive character in the future. Thus, 'Tykha Nava' opens a new chapter for Ukrainian cinema by introducing the true crime genre to mainstream culture.

The premiere of 'Tykha Nava' could represent a major step forward for Ukrainian film, particularly given the rising international interest in true crime. This series not only depicts real crimes but also raises pertinent questions about societal safety and the moral dimensions of criminal investigations. Importantly, projects like this have the potential to attract international attention and promote Ukrainian culture beyond the country's borders.