
"The Guardian of the Green Grove": An Independent Series About Responsibility, Humanity, and New Values in Ukrainian Society
On July 26, the Kyiv “Oscar” cinema hosted the premiere of the new Ukrainian series “The Guardian of the Green Grove.” The event gathered not only film and cultural celebrities but also representatives of civil society, veterans, and journalists people who care about the themes of dignity and the role of ordinary individuals in challenging times.
“The Guardian of the Green Grove” is a social drama with comedic elements revolving around the security guard Stepan. After years of working for a private security company, he returns to his native village, only to find life there far from peaceful a series of thefts and growing tension in the community force him to don his uniform once again to protect what’s his. This is a story about an ordinary person who becomes a hero within his own community.
“This is not just a series about a security guard; it’s a story about those who are willing to take responsibility for their land and people,” shares the series producer Vadym Dmytruk.
The script is partly based on real events from the modern history of central Ukrainian villages. The creators address themes of restoring trust in communities, searching for oneself after traumatic experiences, and the value of mutual support and solidarity.
Independence, Team, and Filming Format
The production format deserves special attention: filming was carried out without major studios or TV channels, entirely independently. This trend is becoming increasingly relevant for Ukrainian cinema teams of creators, actors, operators, patrons, and volunteers uniting around ideas they believe are vital for society.
The cast includes well-known actors Anna Serdyuk, Oleh Zahorodniy, Karolina-Oleksandra Havryliuk, Angelina Samchyk, Hryhorii Baklanov, Nataliia Babenko, and Olena Larina. Among the guests at the premiere were bloggers, philanthropists, veterans, and media representatives for example, Safe Foundation founder Yuliia Fomina, singer OKS, and actors’ publicist Kateryna Varenyk.
“We didn’t want to wait for a big studio to pick us up,” comments director Vladyslav Karachii. “This is our way of talking about values that truly matter.”
Post List
Lightness and Depth
Viewers at the premiere noted the “light style,” natural acting, harmonious cinematography, and sincere atmosphere. Despite comedic elements, the series prompts reflection on serious issues loss of trust, challenges after returning from conflict, the price of solidarity, and dignity.
Some guests were volunteers and veterans for whom the theme of “returning home” is especially personal. Showing such stories during wartime is crucial they offer an example that dignity, responsibility, and cooperation can make a difference even in the smallest communities.
“Everyone can see themselves in this series not necessarily the hero, but as someone who doesn’t stand aside,” shared one premiere attendee.
Production and Future Plans
The “Guardian of the Green Grove” project is a result of enthusiasm and belief in the power of small stories. The first season will be available for free on YouTube starting August, and the team has already announced that filming of the second season will begin in autumn. This openness and accessibility is also a choice in favor of inclusivity, transparency, and trust.
Social Significance and Legal Basis
It’s important to emphasize that such cultural initiatives fully comply with the principles of freedom of creativity and the development of national cinema enshrined in Article 54 of the Constitution of Ukraine (“Citizens are guaranteed the freedom of literary, artistic, scientific and technical creativity, the protection of intellectual property, their copyrights”).
Investing in domestic cinema and supporting independent projects is one of the ways to preserve identity, values, and social optimism in the face of the challenges brought by war and social transformation.
“The Guardian of the Green Grove” is more than just another village series. It is a fresh take on responsibility, humanity, and the willingness to act. The creators aren’t simply telling a story they offer a recipe: unity, mutual support, and faith that change begins with each of us.















