Russia’s first feature-length Orthodox cartoon to be released in May

Russia’s first feature-length Orthodox animated film is set to be released this May, RIA Novosti reported today. The Extraordinary Voyages of Seraphim, created and sponsored by Russia’s Ministry of Culture and the Foundation of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, follows the life of a girl orphaned at the beginning of the Great Patriotic War (Second World War), whose life is irrevocably changed after she discloses a secret from her past. The plot is based around a 2009 book by Timofei Veronin of the same name.

“In my opinion, the most important thing is that this cartoon teaches empathy, sympathy and awakens feelings of compassion,” said Igor Meshchan, the film’s producer. “The Extraordinary Voyages of Seraphim is a family film that will be comprehensible and interesting to a wide audience, both to children and adults, believers and non-believers, because this is a story that teaches mercy.”

“The purpose of the story is to show and explain how saints are involved in people’s lives. This cartoon is about hope, joy, inspiration and blessings,” Meshchan added.