Although known primarily for his special effects mastery seen in films such as Night Watch, Wanted, and recently Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Russian director Timur Bekmambetov has shown a special fondness for animation as well. Along with a number of other animated projects, he most recently co-produced the imaginative and beautiful adventure film, 9(worth owning for visuals alone), alongside Tim Burton. Through his company Bazelevs Group, Bekmambetov seems intent on shepherding the next wave of great Russian animators.
A new trailer has been released for The Snow Queen, one of the most anticipated Russian movies of the year, which Bekmambetov is producing and will distribute. Based on the beloved Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, the story follows Kai, a young boy abducted to the wintry palace of the Snow Queen, who has blanketed the world in snow and ice, and Kai’s sister Gerda who ventures across a frozen wonderland to rescue him. Written and directed by Maxim Sveshnikov and Vlad Barbe, The Snow Queen is set to open in Russia on December 21st and will be shopped for international buyers at the American Film Market. So don't be surprised if it makes a way here to the States. The animation could use a final polish, though. Check out the trailer below....
