Snow Queen 2 becomes first Russian film to top weekend box office in European country

Russian animation Snow Queen 2 topped the box office in Slovakia this weekend, becoming the first Russian film to head the weekend box office in a European country.

According to box office analysts Box Office Mojo, Snow Queen 2 grossed $37,266 in Slovakia, beating local film Vánocní Kamenák, English-language French 3D animation The Little Prince, Hollywood drama-thriller Bridge of Spies and 3D animation The Good Dinosaur.

“The gross is small, compared with large territories, such as Great Britain, France or Germany,” the film’s producer Yury Moskvin told The Hollywood Reporter. “But in this situation, it was important to create a precedent.”

Mr Moskvin stressed that for Russian films to top the box office more regularly, they will have to offer stories of international appeal.

“[Stories] should be understandable to viewers, regardless of geography or cultural differences,” he stated. “In this respect, animation projects have better chances as they don’t rely on actors who could be stars in Russia but remain totally unknown to European audiences.”

The Snow Queen, produced by Voronezh-based animation studio Wizart Animation, is one of Russia’s most successful franchises overseas, with its two parts sold to 130 countries so far and a current international box-office revenue of $30 million.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter