NEWS & EVENTS
THE STORY
As the war starts in Ukraine, six years old Nina is sent to her grandma’s remote home hidden deep in the forest. In the shack outside, Nina encounters a badly wounded Russian soldier.
FILM IMPACT
Hedgehog “Yizhachok” introduces a different perspective on the Ukrainian- Russian conflict by offering a narrative told from a 6 years old Ukrainian Girl’s point of view who encounters a badly wounded Russian soldier in her grandmother’s shack.
It can be hard to take a close look at ourselves and ask, “Will I do the right thing when confronted with a difficult choice?” While many people avoid doing so, Hedgehog “Yizhachok” does just that.
At the end of the day, ethics are defined as moral principles that govern our actions. Many of us may never be faced with many of the dilemmas displayed in the film, nevertheless, being human, we have one moral obligation — to be human to each other!
In the words of Dalai Lama, “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
THE CAST
NINA
Emma Pearson
VERA
Elina Golde
YURA
Vladimir Varakossov
BABA
Nadia Lupiwok
ANDRIY
Yuriy Brailko
ABOUT THE TEAM
Writer/Director - D. Mitry
Born in the former Soviet Union, D. Mitry launched his dream of filmmaking in 2015. Since 2016, several of his short films have won numerous awards at international film festivals. His short “Shade of Music” was acquired by PBS in 2016. In 2017, a fatal accident claimed the life of D.Mitry’s daughter, Alyssa. In February 2020, D. Mitry completed his first feature film dedicated to his daughter, “My True Fairytale.” He wrote, directed, and produced the film that was acquired for world-wide distribution by Gravitas Ventures. It received Theatrical and On-Demand release in April 2021. The World Premiere of “My True Fairytale” was held at the Cinequest in March 2021.
Director of Photography - Mark David
Mark David is an award-winning Director of Photography and Camera Operator. With over 25 years of experience, David has shot over 40 feature films as well as commercials and music videos starring the greats of Diane Ladd, Rip Torn, Cloris Leachman, Bruce Dern, Val Kilmer, Peter Falk, Lin Shaye and many others.
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Production Designer - Deidra Catero
Deidra is an award-winning Production Designer and Art Director. Through her years in the Entertainment Industry, Deidra has experience leading various crews from planning to finishing. She has worked with some of the leading Hollywood names, including Elizabeth Moss, John Malkovich, Brian Cox, Lorry Patti and many others.
Producer - Citlalli A. Ruiz
Born in Mexico, Originally a Merchant Marine, Citlalli decided to venture into the world of film by working as an assistant to the head of development of SMG Entertainment and interning under Shana Eddy Grauf, SVP International Production and Development at StudioCanal. Her first Feature film "My True Fairytale" premiered at the Cinequest in March 2021 and was picked up for world-wide distribution by Gravitas Ventures and Myriad Pictures.
Producer - Dave Messick
Dave grew up in Eastern Shore, MD. With 30 years in full production and film experience, he has produced, executive produced and co-produced over 10,000 multimedia projects. He founded Unscene Productions in 1991. Today, with over several hundred clients, Unscene Productions is one of the most sought-after premier production houses that cater to Baltimore, Washington DC, Philadelphia and Eastern Shore Region.
Producer - Glen Reynolds
Glen grew up in London and Austin, TX. With 21 years in the Film Industry, he has produced, executive produced, and co-produced over 20 films and sold over 500 films. He founded "Circus Road Films" in 2006, a Sales and Production company that has represented tittle like, 'Older Than America' with Bradley Cooper, "Conversations with Other Women' with Olivia Wilde, Helena Bonham Carter, and Aaron Eckhart.
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