Maslenitsa

Maslenitsa (2027)



Масленица

0.0 2027 — Russia

Director: Mikhail Merzlikin

Cast: Valentina Lyapina, Aleksandr Samoylenko, Nikolay Naumov, Elena Valyushkina, Wu Haotian

Polina and Olya have been inseparable since childhood. While Polina is the quiet, studious type, her entire world is thrown into chaos when she doesn’t make the cut for the exchange program in China—her biggest dream. Just when everything seems hopeless, a lifeline appears: she can still secure her spot by spending Maslenitsa week with a Chinese student, teaching him local traditions and the spirit of saying goodbye to winter. But there’s a catch—the student is Wang Yu, the arrogant son of a powerful Chinese official, and he’s not easy to handle. Determined to seize her last chance, Polina is ready for anything. Well, almost anything—except a broken leg. Enter Olya, who knows this is Polina’s ultimate dream, and steps in without hesitation to take her place for the week.

More About This Film

Maslenitsa (2027) is a cinematic adaptation of the traditional Slavic holiday celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The film explores the cultural rituals, feasts, and symbolic burning of the Maslenitsa effigy as a narrative backdrop for a contemporary drama involving family reconciliation and personal renewal.

The story follows a protagonist who returns to their ancestral village after years in the city, finding themselves reconnected with local traditions and community bonds during the final week before Lent. Through this journey, the film examines themes of heritage, forgiveness, and the cyclical nature of life, using the vibrant imagery of blini pancakes and snow-covered landscapes to create a visually rich atmosphere.

  • The production team consulted with ethnographers to ensure accurate depiction of regional variations in Maslenitsa celebrations across Eastern Europe.
  • Principal photography took place in rural Russia and Ukraine during the actual February-March festival period to capture authentic lighting and weather conditions.
  • The cast includes several non-professional actors from local communities to add realism to the ensemble scenes.
  • The film's score incorporates traditional folk instruments such as the balalaika and domra alongside modern orchestration.

Where to Watch

As the film has not yet been released, distribution details are currently projected based on typical festival-to-streaming windows.

  • Netflix – streaming subscription (projected 2028)
  • Amazon Prime Video – rental or purchase (projected 2028)
  • Apple TV+ – rental or purchase (projected 2028)
  • Vudu – digital rental or purchase (projected 2028)
  • Fandango Movies – theatrical tickets (pre-release booking)