Ukrainian production company JOYFILMS unveiled the teaser for the mystical thriller The Tower at the Berlin International Film Festival as part of the European Film Market, one of the film industry’s key global platforms.

The film marks the feature-length directorial debut of actress and TV host Dasha Tregubova, who spent more than five years developing the project.

Dasha Tregubova, director:

“Psychological thriller is one of my favorite genres, where events may unfold according to one storyline, but in the end the audience is faced with a completely unexpected twist. It took five years of my life to bring this idea to completion. During that time, many events happened that affected our lives and the film itself. But despite everything, I know that we achieved our goal — to make a powerful, engaging, and relevant film.”

The Tower blends elements of psychological and mystical thriller with the harsh realities of war. At the heart of the story lies one of the most painful issues of our time — the abduction and forced deportation of Ukrainian children by Russian forces.

Oleksandr Omelyanov, producer at JOYFILMS:

“The thriller The Tower is a unique project at the intersection of several genres. The ending of this story will completely reshape the viewer’s perception of everything they have seen. We presented working materials from the film The Tower to international sales agents at the European Film Market. The initial reactions have been very positive, which gives us hope for a strong future for the film.
Everyone is eagerly awaiting the final cut of the film to better understand the next steps and potential opportunities for collaboration.”

The story unfolds in a children’s shelter devastated by war. Journalist Marta, portrayed by Dasha Tvoronovych, arrives to document the aftermath of a war crime — the disappearance of dozens of children taken away by Russian soldiers during the occupation. But the investigation soon turns into a dangerous trap when a mysterious man in a balaclava begins pursuing her among the ruins.

A parallel storyline follows a young girl discovered by rescuers on a riverbank with no memory of her past. The emotionally demanding role is performed by 14-year-old Polina Hromova, the director’s daughter. The film also features Dmytro Rybalevskyi as a hypnotherapist attempting to help the girl recover her memories.

The film’s socially significant theme has also drawn support from Ukrainian business. Companies BKK and Rosynka, both known for their humanitarian initiatives, contributed to the production. Yulia Yarmolenko, Chair of the Supervisory Board of BKK, also appears in the film as a volunteer who brings sweets to children, offering them smiles and renewed faith in kindness.

The film’s world premiere is scheduled for this summer at one of the major international Category A film festivals, while its Ukrainian theatrical release is planned for fall 2026.

About the Film The Tower

Running time: 93 minutes
Director: Dasha Tregubova
Producer: Oleksandr Omelyanov (JOYFILMS)
Co-producers: Artem Koliubaiev, Taras Bosak (Mainstream Pictures)
Screenwriter: Symor Hlasenko
Director of Photography: Serhii Smychok
Production Designer: Vlad Odudenko

Cast:
Dasha Tvoronovych
Polina Hromova
Dmytro Rybalevskyi
Marta Horobchuk

Supported by:
The Ukrainian State Film Agency (Derzhkino)
Ukrainian Cultural Foundation

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