Melbourne Hopak is part of the Lehenda Film series. The origins of Lehenda’s film series can be traced back to the global Covid-19 lockdowns—a time when theatres were dark, stages silent, and traditional forms of cultural expression temporarily out of reach. Faced with the absence of live performance, we turned to film as a new medium to preserve and express our identity as Australian Ukrainians.

1. What motivated you to make this film?

The idea for the Lehenda film series was born in during the Covid-19 lockdowns—a time when theatres were dark, stages silent, and our traditional forms of cultural expression temporarily out of reach. Being based in Melbourne, which was said to be the most locked down city in the world we turned to film as a new medium to preserve and express our identity as Australian Ukrainians.

Our first project emerged from the golden wheat fields of Avoca, Victoria—a quiet yet powerful setting that echoed our connection to land, heritage, and memory. What began as a necessity quickly evolved into something much deeper: a cinematic exploration of who we are, and what it means to carry Ukrainian culture in an Australian landscape.

Moved by the response to that initial work, we expanded our vision. We chose to reimagine Hopak, Ukraine’s most iconic and spirited dance, within the urban heart of Melbourne. This contrast between the rural and the metropolitan, between tradition and reinterpretation, became the cornerstone of our approach.

These films are not just documents of performance—they are cultural artefacts. They preserve memory, convey identity, and explore the dualities that shape our diasporic experience.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

We revisited the idea when we were in a bit of a creative slump earlier this year (2025) and we filmed it in late June. A lot of the pre work we had done in 2021 when we tried to film it, but the COVID restrictions still didn’t allow us too. We ended up starting with a rural piece which was achievable at the time, and we picked up where we left off with this film in April this year.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Ukrainian, Melbourne

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

To begin with it was restrictions during COVID – how many people were allowed to gather outside etc. This time we were almost stopped by the weather, but we pushed through! There was a lot of red tape around permits to use locations, however the city of Melbourne, Metro trains, The Arts Centre Melbourne and Block Arcade where all fabulous to work with.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.

What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

Hard to pick favourites! I love the development stage where you get to dig deep and create. I also love the actual production – the days of filming where so much fun, seeing the dancers bring everything to life, watching onlookers enjoy the process as much as we do!

Post production – watching it come together is incredible and of course seeing audience reaction during distribution!

Each stage is exciting in its own way!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

My background is in drama and theatre studies. I always loved acting of film – it is so fun and magical! My passion is dance – Ukrainian dance in particular. Being able to merge these two genres has been so exciting. I’m always looking for fresh ways to share the Ukrainian culture – new shows, different storytelling. Discovering dance on film – which was born out of necessity for us to continue creating in a time we weren’t allowed to perform – has been really liberating. We’ve teamed with Edit Life Media for both of our films – it’s been a wonderful collaboration. I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else! Ethan is incredibly talented, and an amazing person to work with. We collaborate easily together, he has a great way of expressing Ukrainian Dance on Film.

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?

Hmmm, this is a hard question- I love so many films and have watch them over and over. High Society, Pretty in Pink, Sweet Home Alabama, The Parent Trap (original),  Singing in the Rain, The Holiday,

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

The same people I already do! My brother Stephan Moravski is our set designer as well as our Creative Director. We usually write our shows together, we bounce our ideas so naturally off one another and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

With Film – Ethan Berends of Edit life media. We started this process together and I love working with him – wouldn’t choose anyone else!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

The submission has been good. I’ve been a little overwhelmed with the amount of festivals I keep hearing about. It’s not a world I’m very familiar with which makes it tricky but also totally exciting!

10. What is your favorite meal?

Love food! Oysters, Fish, beautiful fresh veggies, chocolate!!

11. What is next for you? A new film?

We’ve written a new folk ballet for our dance company, which we want to move forward with in the New Year. However, we will continue our film series and we’re thinking about which piece of our repertoire would be best to film next and were.