Khastoria. A Spy Story

About This Movie

Khastoria. A Spy Story is an intriguing dive into the urban myths of Kharkiv, using stop-motion to weave its tale. The animation style, although simple, really adds this quaint charm that feels both nostalgic and a bit eerie, reflecting the conspiracies of the '90s. It brings to life Oleg Mitasov, a figure who embodies the graffiti culture of the city, and you can see how the animation plays with the textures and grit of that world. The pacing is deliberate, letting the story unfold at its own rhythm, blending folklore with a bit of humor. It’s definitely something that doesn’t fit neatly into a box, and that's what makes it stand out in the anthology. Quite an interesting exploration of an underappreciated narrative.

Stop-motion animation styleExplores urban folklorePart of the Khastoria anthology