The Konotop Witch is a 2024 Ukrainian mystical horror film directed by Andriy Kolesnyk, produced by Iryna Kostiuk, and written by Yaroslav Voytseshek. The composer was Oleksandr Chorny, with casting handled by Olena Shliakhova. Visual effects were created by Postmodern Postproduction. The costume designer was Iryna iSky, a military photographer from the 59th Brigade named after Yakiv Handziuk. The film's soundtrack features a song by Zlata Ognevich.[1]
The film premiered on August 22, 2024, two days before Independence Day.
Plot
An ancient witch from Konotop long ago renounced her magical powers. Now, she lives an ordinary life with her Ukrainian boyfriend, Andriy. However, her peaceful existence crumbles when the Russian invasion of Ukraine begins, and the city is partially occupied by invaders. In an attempt to save his beloved, Andriy dies in her arms. The woman reclaims her powers and seeks brutal, unrelenting revenge on the occupiers.
The central symbol of the film is the “Witch’s Amulet ‘Helm of Awe,’” which combines the Witch’s power, the “Helm of Awe” rune, and elements of embroidery from the Sumy region, where Konotop is located. These symbols are imbued with energy that instills fear in adversaries and compels them to flee.[2]
Filming began on November 23, 2023. The filmmakers drew inspiration from ancient Ukrainian legends and beliefs, as well as a real incident early in the 2022 Russian invasion when a Konotop woman cursed the occupiers, proclaiming that “every second woman in Konotop is a witch”.[3] The teaser for the film was released on June 22, 2023.[4]
Reception
Over 14 weeks in Ukrainian theaters, the film sold 358,627 tickets, grossing ₴57,443,591.[5][6] This achievement placed the film in the top three horror films in the history of Ukrainian cinema.[citation needed]
In 2024, The Konotop Witch ranked ninth in the top 10 films at the Ukrainian box office.[7]
Merchandise
In late 2024, a card-basedboard game inspired by the film, titled The Konotop Witch, was released by the publisher Rozum. The game was designed by Ostap Hevko.[8]
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