Ukrainian animation studio Animagrad, best known for the global success of Mavka. The Forest Song, has released the first teaser for its latest project, Family Squad, Ukraine’s inaugural satirical animated feature. The 2D animated dramedy, targeted at young adult audiences, is a collaboration with renowned Ukrainian filmmaker Antonio Lukich, whose previous works include My Thoughts Are Silent and Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
Family Squad introduces Serhii Punko, a 30-year-old misfit whose life takes a surreal turn after a mix-up by Miki, a feline angel of death, mistakenly sends him to heaven. On his journey back to life, Serhii finds himself on the frontlines, joining forces with the Chop Pirates, a group of former smugglers from Transcarpathia. The film is set to blend humor, love, betrayal, and self-discovery while offering sharp social commentary.
Originally developed as the YouTube project Nasha Faita, the creators—Mykhailo Krapenko, Pavlo Mandzych, and Ivan Bon—are making their feature animation debut with Family Squad. Antonio Lukich serves as the creative producer, aiming to bring humor, irony, and poignant reflections on society into the narrative.
The film’s production team includes Mavka alum Anna Eliseeva, who co-produces alongside Maite Woköck of My Fairy Troublemaker. Chris Koskinen returns as the art director, with Konstiantyn Fedorov, also from the Mavka team, directing the feature. The project has garnered international attention, with German studio Telescope Animation co-developing the film, and support from the European Solidarity Fund for Ukrainian Films (ESFUF).
Animagrad’s Mavka. The Forest Song was released in 148 countries, grossing over $21 million worldwide. The studio’s parent company, Film.UA Group, announced plans for a live-action adaptation of Mavka and a 3D animated series based on the movie’s folklore.
