Just Film Works in Progress
Office of magical forces
When an ancient evil awakens beneath Kyiv, a weary hero, Mamay, his immortal friends, and an 11-year-old boy must join forces with a teacher-turned-schoolgirl to save the city – and prove that even in the modern world, legends never truly die.
In the heart of Kyiv, construction workers unearth a black stone slab that once imprisoned a primordial evil. As darkness spreads, the secret Office of Magical Forces, led by the eccentric demon Viy, mobilises. The city's ancient protector, Mamay, longs to retire but must first find a successor – unexpectedly choosing Yurko, an 11-year-old schoolboy. With help from his friends Kozhumiaka, Baida, and Yurko's teacher Solomiya (who becomes her younger self, Miya), they embark on a wild mission to stop indifference and fear from consuming Kyiv. A modern fairytale where myth, humour, and heart collide in a battle for the city's soul.
Director's note
This film is born from a deep desire to give children a story filled with light, imagination, and kindness – something especially important in times when darkness so often surrounds us. I wanted to create a modern fairy tale set in Kyiv, where ancient legends breathe within the rhythm of a contemporary city. It's a story about courage, empathy, and the quiet heroism of an ordinary boy who learns that true strength lies in compassion.
As a father, I understand how children today perceive the world – their fears, humour, and hopes. That's why the tone of the film balances adventure, magic, and warmth. Visually, it combines the mythic grandeur of old Kyiv with the energy of modern urban life. My goal is to show that even in the most ordinary streets there's still room for wonder – and that the greatest battle is not against monsters, but against indifference.
Producer's note
One of the key motivations for producing this film is the responsibility of adults to create meaningful stories for children, especially in difficult times for the country. Our goal is to make a film about goodness, timeless values, childhood, and imagination –themes that resonate deeply with the younger generation. It was important for us to give children a story about happiness, hope, and light – a narrative without war or darkness, relevant to today yet filled with positivity.
The main challenge we are currently facing is the lack of financial resources to complete post-production, particularly the creation of the final visual effects. We have a highly skilled team working on these elements, but we urgently need additional funding to finalise the work and realise the film's full visual potential.
Subjects:
friendship, fairytale, journey, child in a grown ups role, childhood
Dmytro Avdieiev, born on November 10, 1984, in the city of Dobropillia, Donetsk region. Ukrainian. In 2002, he enrolled at the Kharkiv State Academy of Culture, Faculty of Theatre and Film Arts. Major – TV reporter. Graduated from the university in 2007. From May 1, 2007, to December 2007, he worked as a scriptwriter in the promo department of the TV company 'Inter.' Since 2008, he took the position of host and producer of TV shows on the 'MTV-Ukraine' channel. Since 2010, he worked as a director and producer of TV shows for 'MTV-Ukraine.' From 2011 to 2013 – director and producer at 'TVBOY Production.' Creator of the show 'Insider' for the 'MEGA' channel; director of commercial videos for companies such as Samsung and JTI; produced podcasts and music videos for PEPSI, Colgate, and Philip Morris. In 2013, he enrolled in the 'Filmmaking Foundation' directing course at the London Film Academy.
Oleksii Komarovskyi is a Ukrainian producer, director, screenwriter, and actor, and the founder of the film company Idea Films. He was born in Chernivtsi. He holds degrees in economics, producing, and acting. He specializes in creating films with international potential and in international co-productions. In 2022, he became the author and producer of the film "Region of Heroes" — the first Ukrainian film for wide theatrical release shot during the full-scale invasion. The film was screened in over 20 countries, presented at 5 film festivals, and received a nomination at the Cinema for Victory film festival. In 2024, Oleksii directed, co-wrote, and co-produced the international romantic adventure comedy "When Will You Marry Me?", a co-production between Ukraine, Croatia, Slovakia, and Latvia. The film was presented at film markets during the 77th Cannes Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival. It was released internationally in Ukraine, the USA, Canada, Germany, and Austria. In Ukraine, the film became the #1 box office hit and entered the Top 10 highest-grossing feature films in the history of independent Ukraine. Oleksii Komarovskyi's film also remained the #1 title on Netflix in Ukraine for six consecutive weeks. Additionally, in 2025, it was among the Top 10 releases in 19 countries across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).