On May 29, the restored version of the legendary film "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors" by Sergei Parajanov returns to theaters. This film marked the beginning of a new era in Ukrainian poetic cinema.

This was announced by the Olexandr Dovzhenko National Film Studio.

"This is more than just a film. It is a part of our cultural heritage. A work that has been recognized worldwide as a visual masterpiece. A true treasure of our film studio, restored and ready for a new audience", the studio representatives stated.

The film is distributed by "Kinomania Film Distribution".

"Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors" is an adaptation of the novella by Mykhailo Kotsyubynsky, filmed at the studio in 1964.

The film tells the love story of Ivan Paliychuk and Marichka Hutenyuk, whose families have been feuding for decades. It is a tale reminiscent of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Carpathians.

The role of Ivan Paliychuk was played by Ivan Mykolaychuk, who later became a prominent actor and director. Initially, Parajanov doubted Mykolaychuk's appearance for the lyrical hero, but later changed his mind. Marichka Hutenyuk was portrayed by Larysa Kadachnikova.

The film "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors" received 39 international awards and 28 festival prizes, including 24 Grand Prix in 21 countries.

Ukrainian literary critic Ivan Dziuba emphasized the film's impact on Ukrainian cinema and culture:

"This was not just a celebration of Ukrainian art. It was a celebration of the Ukrainian soul, confirming that Ukraine can be a significant aesthetic force in the world".

Dziuba stressed that "Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors" became a model for an entire generation of Ukrainian filmmakers, such as Yuri Illienko and Leonid Osika, later referred to as representatives of "Ukrainian poetic cinema".

Sergei Parajanov is considered one of the most influential Ukrainian directors of the 20th century. In 1973, he was sentenced to 5 years in a strict regime camp for "homosexuality", though it was widely understood that the real reason was his support for dissidents.

The National Rehabilitation Commission rehabilitated him on the occasion of the artist's birthday.

His film "The Color of Pomegranate" has also returned to screens, restored by Martin Scorsese's company, one of the director's greatest admirers.