The historical film "Dovbush" by director Oles Sanin became a true sensation in 2023. After just the fourth weekend of release, the movie confidently claimed the top spot in the Ukrainian box office. By the end of the sixth week, the box office earnings exceeded 55 million, and the film was watched by over 390 thousand viewers. Besides Ukraine, the film was showcased in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, and South Korea. Overall, it is planned to be screened in more than 20 countries worldwide.

The idea for creating the film originated long ago during the events of the Revolution of Dignity when director Oles Sanin and cinematographer Serhii Mykhailchuk captured the events on the Maidan. "Dovbush" is an epic work that combines romance and mythology in a historical action setting. Oles Sanin, an expert in Ukrainian history and culture, while directing the film, dreamt of creating a masterpiece about freedom and the struggle for it.

The production of the film spanned over 10 years, and its release was postponed due to various circumstances, including the pandemic and a full-scale invasion. The film hit the screens on August 24, 2023, Ukrainian Independence Day, impressing audiences with its vast scale and the relevance of its slogan, "The Struggle Continues."

"Dovbush" stands as one of the most expensive films in the history of the Ukrainian film industry, with a budget of 120 million UAH, a portion of which was allocated by the state. The shooting took place in various regions of Ukraine, where over 20 locations were built or restored, involving more than 3,000 professionals. Regarding the costume department, they recreated over 1,000 authentic outfits, consulting with ethnographers and historical reenactors.

The music for the film, created by composers Alla Zahaikevych and Oleksandr Chornyi, adds even more atmosphere to the movie. Drawing inspiration from Hutsul folk music, the creators filled the film with so-called "oprishky-jazz" and "ethno-electronics." The Hutsul dialect and the breathtaking landscapes of the Ukrainian Carpathians, thanks to the work of the outstanding cinematographer Serhii Mykhailchuk , look so authentic that the legend comes to life in the eyes of the audience.

"Dovbush" tells the story of the legendary opryshok Oleksa Dovbush, who fought for the restoration of justice, liberation from Polish nobility, and the achievement of independence for his homeland. The events unfold in the Carpathians at the beginning of the 18th century. Due to harsh Polish rule, the Hutsuls are forced to flee to the mountains. Two brothers, Oleksa and Ivan Dovbush, unwittingly become opryshky. However, they choose different paths, as one seeks wealth, and the other seeks justice. In the film "Dovbush," the roles of the brothers are portrayed by Serhii Strelnikov and film debutant Oleksii Hnatkovskyi. Marichka is played by Dasha Plakhtii, known for her roles in "Strimholov" and the series "Saga." Agata Buzek, the daughter of the former Prime Minister of Poland, takes on the role of Princess Yablonovska. Mateusz Kościukiewicz, known for films like "Oblicza" and "Eo," plays the role of Colonel Pshelusky. Actor Luzer Tversky, who played Besht, is revealed to be a direct descendant of the great Jewish saint, sage, and founder of Hasidism, Baal Shem Tov.

"Dovbush" is not just a loud event in Ukrainian cinema. It is not just a reminder of ancient times and heroic figures. This film is about the true essence of every genuine Ukrainian, about faithful sons and daughters willing to give their lives for the sake of freedom and justice. "The Struggle Continues." Let's not forget that!