The Flower of the Fern

The theme of the film is the essence of the Ukrainian song as the cradle of the Ukrainian people, the whole nation. Its depth, the antiquity of its history. The film also tells the tragic story of the brilliant folk opera “When the Fern Blossoms“. This opera, together with the Veriovka Choir, was created by the world-renowned composer Yevhen Stankovych, our contemporary. However, the Soviet government of the time was afraid of Ukrainian song and banned the opera, breaking the set. The film features excerpts from the opera performed by the choir, as well as testimonies from the authors and performers about the work.

Directed by Vasyl Viter, The Flower of the Fern leans on a strong ensemble — Yevhen Stankovych, Anatoly Avdievsky, Valentyna Kovalska — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1988.