JOYFILMS presents teaser for Ukrainian thriller “BASHTA” at Berlinale’s European Film Market
Ukrainian production company JOYFILMS has presented a teaser and work-in-progress materials for the mystical psychological thriller “BASHTA” at the Berlin International Film Festival, within the European Film Market (EFM).
The film marks the feature directorial debut of Ukrainian actress and TV host Dasha Tregubova. According to the creative team, the project took around five years from first idea to a finished work-in-progress stage, shaped by events that also affected the film’s direction.
“BASHTA” is described as a genre-crossing thriller that moves between mysticism and psychological tension, while addressing the reality of war. The story unfolds in a war-damaged children’s shelter, where journalist Marta arrives to document a crime connected to the disappearance of dozens of children taken during occupation — and becomes trapped in the ruins, pursued by a masked man.
In a parallel storyline, rescuers find a girl by a riverbank with no memory of her name or past. The role is performed by 14-year-old Polina Hromova, the director’s daughter. Actor Dmytro Rybalevskyi plays a doctor-hypnotherapist working with the girl, attempting to help her recover memory.
Yuliia Yarmolenko plays herself in the film — a volunteer who, along with treats, brings children smiles and faith in kindness. Her character is a symbol of humanity in the darkest moments.
Producer Oleksandr Omelianov (JOYFILMS) noted positive early reactions from international sales agents at EFM, with the team now awaiting the film’s final cut to define next steps and collaboration opportunities. A world premiere is expected this summer at an A-category international film festival, with a Ukrainian release planned for autumn 2026.
Information about the mystical thriller “BASHTA”
Runtime: 93 minutes
Director: Dasha Tregubova
Producer: Oleksandr Omelianov (JOYFILMS)
Co-producers: Artem Koliubaiev, Taras Bosak (Mainstream Pictures)
Screenwriter: Symor Hlasenko
Director of Photography: Serhii Smychok
Production Designer: Vlad Odudenko
Cast: Daria Tvoronovych, Polina Hromova, Dmytro Rybalevskyi, Marta Horobchuk
Supported by:
State Film Agency of Ukraine (Derzhkino) and the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation
Official media partners:
Viva! (Ukraine’s first celebrity magazine)
Jetsetter (Ukrainian portal covering cultural life)
Insider.ua (media on society and culture)
Media partners:
PERSHYI BIZNESOVYI (BIZ), UKRAINKY, ProShoKino, Yabl, TrueUa, LifeKyiv, 44.ua, BestPeopleClub, Touch, Like in Ua, Gossip, SuperLady, CoolBaba, 33 Kanal, BUT.IN.UA, FOSTYLEN, Odessa Fashion Day, StarBrothers, BUSINESS ML MAGAZINE, Studio of my Dreams.
