Marianna Sablina

For over a century ‘Carol of the Bells’ has been heard across the globe, but few know this song as ‘Shchedryk’, nor its Ukrainian origins. Own Voice delves into this history, and in so doing provokes a discussion about heritage and a changing world.

Short animated story of Shchedryk, known by many as the popular holiday song Carol of the Bells but originally written as a traditional Ukrainian folk song, heralding the coming of spring. Shchedryk's well-wishing lyrics tell the tale of a swallow flying between households, proclaiming the plentiful year that the family will have, inspiration for the tale of Little Wings, which follows a lonesome swallow's adventure to guide carol singers to a family in need of renewed hope. The allegorical 2D handcrafted animation uses Ukrainian culture and creativity to inspire hope and joy in all.