Magic Mountain
Date:
December 15, 2022
Magic Mountain
Magic Mountain
by Mykola Zasieiev
2Brave Productions | Ukraine
Cinephage Productions | France
R&R Stories | The Netherlands
Trickster Pictures | Latvia
Live-action feature | 1st feature
Logline
A story of 12-year-old KIR and his mother OLHA who seek solace in a Carpathian Mountain spa resort while awaiting news of his father who has gone missing at the frontline.
Synopsis
KIR (12) is waiting for his father, serving on the frontline in Ukraine. Stress has left him with gastritis and a stutter. His mother, OLHA (42), cannot tell him that his father is missing, deepening the silence. Seeking healing, they travel to a resort in the Carpathians.
There, Kir experiences first love with EVA (14), a cellist practicing with her diabetic grandmother, HALYNA (77). He bonds with MARK (27), a charismatic masseur and father figure, and hears the nightly screams of VALERII (53), a war veteran haunted by old wounds. Olha meets AGATA (47), a widow who draws her into a support group for military families. Facing her husband’s possible death, Olha clings to tea-leaf readings and tarot cards but realizes they cannot ease her grief.
Despite rare warmth, silence lingers. They do breathing exercises for Kir’s stutter and recall memories of his father at a medieval festival at Tustan Rock. Kir struggles with his changing body and frustration. His stomach pains deepen with love for Eva. Mark notices his distress, teaching massage and sharing stories. Hoping to impress Eva, Kir learns from Halyna. When Eva reciprocates, she leaves for a concert abroad, and they never meet again. Heartbroken, Kir bears his first loss with quiet strength. Learning that Mark deserted the front revives fears for his father.
Desperate for answers, he confronts Olha, who admits she knows nothing. Overcome, he runs into the forest and finds Valerii screaming among the pines; together they release their pain. Then Olha receives the call: her husband has been killed. Shattered, they leave the resort. When their car breaks down, Olha teaches Kir to drive; as she pushes, the engine starts, and they continue.
Through morning fog, they glimpse riders in medieval armor and follow them to Tustan Rock, where a reenactment festival is underway. On the observation deck, Kir sees his mother’s fear but, for the first time, feels calm. Without stuttering, he tells her: “It’s time to go home.”
Director’s Profile
Mykola Zasieiev was born in Kyiv, Ukraine in 1994. He graduated from Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts (Filmmaking) in 2017. While still a student, he started working with provident Ukrainian TV and film production studios as a script writer, 1st AD, and acting coach. He has also made several student works released at the local film festivals. «Phase», his short fiction debut, premiered at Molodist IFF in Kyiv in May 2021, and since, has been in numerous film festivals. Its Asian premiere took place at the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2022 in Tokyo. “Phase” also received Best Narrative Short Award at French Riviera Film Festival in May 2022. In 2023, “Phase” received Best Short Fiction Film Nomination from Ukrainian Film Academy’s Golden Dzyga.
Company Profile
2BRAVE PRODUCTIONS connects a new generation of Ukrainian filmmakers to the global film industry. Founders Olha Bregman and Natalia Libet have garnered acclaim for introducing exciting new names to audiences at home and abroad. With their experience and unique access to Ukrainian talents, they work together in bringing this force to the market by structuring international coproductions with traditional and alternative financing.
2BRAVE PRODUCTIONS’ FILMOGRAPHY (as producers unless stated differently):
Released
− 2025: “Cuba & Alaska” 90’ documentary dir. Yegor Troyanovsky (w. Premiere — Sheffield Film Festival)
− 2025: “Timestamp” 127′ documentary dir. Kateryna Gornostai (w. premiere — Berlinale Competition)
– 2025: “The EUkrainian” documentary dir. Viktor Nordernskiold (in coproduction with France-Belgium-Sweden-Ukraine, sales: Cinephil)
− 2024: “After the Rain: Putin’s Stolen Children Come Home” 85’ documentary dir. Sarah McCarthy (w. premiere – DOC NYC, International Competition)
− 2024: “Blueberry Summer” 15’ narrative dir. Masha Kondakova (as a coproducer, w. premiere — France 3 TV channel)
− 2023: “Rule of Two Walls” 90’ documentary dir. David Gutnik (w. premiere — Tribeca, Documentary Competition Jury’s Special Mention, n. premiere — OIFF, Jury’s Special Mention), sales: CAA
− 2023: “The Art of War” documentary dir. Tiziana Lupi and Marco Spagnoli (under a service agreement with Rai Documentari for Rai 3)