Media Group Ukraine (MGU) was announced by its Director Yevhen Lyashchenko as a partner in the multinational project implemented by by four parties: Fresh Production (Ukraine), Aktis Film Production (Germany), O-Studio (Georgia), Geopoly Film (Bulgaria) as backed up by public authorities, such as Ukraine’s National Film Agency (Derzhkino), Georgia’s National Film Centre and Bulgaria’s National Film Centre directed by Otar Shamatava (Georgia) and written by Zaza Buadze.

 

 

 

 

 

According to Oleg Shcherbina, producer, Fresh Production, the motion picture budget totals US$3 mln 600 thousand proportionally contributed by the parties and in particular: Germany -11%, Bulgaria -10%, Georgia -25% and Ukraine -54%. 20% of the total budget has been duly funded by Ukraine’s National Film Agency which, however, appeared to be insufficient as a result of hryvnia devaluation; MGU’s commitment accounts for 10% with the balance having been paid by Fresh Production.

“Ukraine is a major shareholder in the project. The rights to the motion picture shall be shared by the partners in proportion to their respective contributions. As to the product further participation in selections for festivals it will be wholly and exclusively within the competence of Ukraine but we are going to agree the relevant issues with the other partners“, said Oleg Shcherbina.

Speaking on the current situation Philip Illienko, Head of Ukraine’s* National Film Agency, specified that Derzhkino has fully met its commitment under the project by contributing UAH 5mln 775 thousand with a certain payment delay , though. “While making a highly artistic product the film is meant for the public at large which is of great importance for our motion picture industry. In the course of the shooting period Derzhkino and the production team were both literally taken hostage by this country’s financial situation and thus we were forced to suspend the operations. We are pleased to see Media Group Ukraine joining the partnership which would enable “Ursus” to become a vivid example of public-private partnership. It is in this way that Media Group Ukraine would give a hand not only to Ukrainian but to European filmmaking. I do hope that the experience gained would be positive, effective and long-lasting, said Derzhkino Head Philip Illienko.

Yevhen Lyashchenko, Director, Media Group Ukraine, explained why the holding joined the project: “We made up our minds to help by deed, not by word, that’s first and foremost. We were keen on giving a friendly hand to both, Derzhkino and producers. We are well aware that good ideas and good scripts are in deficit now. And “Ursus” is a rare pearl. The mere thought of it being unavailable for release is unbearable“, said he.
“Ursus. A Caucasian Brown Bear” is a story of the three losers: two men, a Georgian film director and Ukrainian stuntman and an American girl, a wild animal rightist, daring to go on an incredibly dangerous journey in 1992 starting out from the capital of Georgia -with the Civil War in full swing – to Berlin. Each character is pursuing his/her own objectives without any idea of how their fates are interwoven and closely knitted.

Press Center Media Group Ukraine©

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