The production company JOYFILMS presented the teaser for the mystical thriller The Tower at the Berlin International Film Festival as part of the European Film Market.
The film marks the feature-length directorial debut of well-known actress and TV host Dasha Tregubova.
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 is more than just a film; it is an emotional story that immerses viewers in the complex space of memory and trauma. The narrative explores the inner world of a child forced to suppress terrifying memories in order to survive.
The film blends elements of a mystical thriller with the painful realities of war. At the center of the story lies one of the most devastating war crimes 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 events of The Tower unfold in a children’s shelter devastated by war.
Dasha Tvoronovych portrays Marta, a journalist who arrives at the shelter to document the aftermath of a war crime — the disappearance of dozens of children taken away by Russian soldiers during the occupation. Soon, however, she finds herself trapped among the ruins, pursued by a mysterious man wearing a balaclava.
At the same time, rescuers discover a young girl on the riverbank who remembers neither her name nor her past.
The complex and emotionally demanding role is performed by 14-year-old Polina Hromova, the director’s daughter. The role required the young actress to deeply explore the psychological state of her character — an inner emptiness concealing profound trauma.
Dmytro Rybalevskyi plays a hypnotherapist who takes care of the girl and attempts to help her recover her lost memories.
The film’s important social theme has also received support from Ukrainian business.
Companies BKK and Rosynka, both known for their humanitarian initiatives and active civic engagement, contributed to supporting the film’s production.
Yulia Yarmolenko, Chair of the Supervisory Board of BKK, also appears in the film, playing a volunteer who brings sweets to children, offering them smiles and renewed faith in kindness. Her character embodies humanity even in the darkest moments.
Yarmolenko’s participation highlights the values of the BKK company — to stand by people in the most difficult times, to share warmth, and to create joy not only through products but also through meaningful actions.
The film’s world premiere is expected this summer at one of the major international Category A film festivals.
The Ukrainian premiere is scheduled for fall 2026.
About the Mystical Thriller 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
Official Media Partners:
Viva! — the first Ukrainian magazine about celebrities
Jetsetter — Ukrainian portal covering cultural life
Insider.ua — media outlet focused on society and culture
Media Partners:
PERSHYI BIZNESOVYI BIZ, UKRAINKY, BestPeopleClub, StarBrothers, CoolBaba, Gossip, Touch, OdessaFashion Day, Like in Ua, SuperLady, Studio of my Dreams, Channel 33, 44.ua, TrueUa, LifeKyiv, ProShoKino, BUT.IN.UA, Yabl, FOSTYLEN, BUSINESS ML MAGAZINE