“Magura” is the first short (12 mins) film produced by ‘Music Will Save The World’ under the project ‘Opera is Us’. It is dedicated to the missing people of war, both in Ukraine and globally.
Directed by Ukrainian-British Anna Starushkevych, an opera singer driven by the personal tragedy of a close relative going missing at the front, ‘Magura’ is both a tribute to Ukrainian resilience and a plea for remembrance and resolution amid the ongoing war, as well as a homage to all those fighting for their freedom around the world.
The film blends Ukrainian mythology with modern storylines, highlighting cultural and historical elements. It features Magura, a Ukrainian pagan goddess of war and victory, who appears in the film’s climax. The narrative is divided into three parts: a serene pre-war past, the harsh realities of conflict using documentary footage, and a hopeful victorious future merging myth with reality. The constant soundtrack, featuring Handel’s aria “Cara Sposa” with its repetitive ‘Where are you?’ lyrics, accentuates themes of loss and hope, aligning with the film’s emotional journey.
Symbolism is present throughout, including a recurring pair of dark green boots representing the ongoing spirit of Ukrainian resistance. The wristbands, coloured in Ukrainian hues, symbolise those missing in the war and are later connected to the goddess in the film, representing her protection over them.
The third part of the short movie takes place one year after Ukraine won the war, depicted through a flyer that a little girl is holding, representing the nation’s victory and hope for a peaceful future.
The film concludes with a touching soundtrack during the credits, which are integral to the film: a young child sings a Ukrainian song typically sung by a father to his little daughter. With her father missing, the child attempts to recreate the song herself, inadvertently mixing up the words. This poignant moment is followed by her mother’s gentle giggle and loving rendition of the song as it should be sung, stepping in for her missing husband and singing from a male perspective, adding a layer of deep emotional resonance to the film’s conclusion.
The film’s central theme is one of hope and faith: the hope for the return of the missing, and the unwavering faith that good will once again triumph over evil.
“Magura” aims to spark discussions and fundraise to support those affected by the issue it highlights by featuring the film at various multidisciplinary discussion events, classical music performances and film festivals. The film had its world premiere in Münster, Germany, in April 2024.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion on the issue of the missing people of war in Ukraine and globally. The discussion will be among 4 speakers, representatives of politics, journalism, psychology and people who are directly affected by the issue.
The admission is free, but donations are welcome. The raised funds will be directed to a Ukrainian non-profit called UAid International and used to support the families whose loved ones are missing and organisations like ‘Place d’armes’ (Плацдарм in Ukrainian) that search for the missing people of war. Here is an article in New York Times about the leader of ‘Place d’armes’ – Oleksiy Yukov https://www.nytimes.com/
Facilities
- Air conditioned
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Disabled Accessibility
- Facilities for Disabled Guests
- wheelchair access
Accessibility Facilities
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Designated wheelchair public toilet
- Wheel chair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
