Brown Bag Films have created a short film entitled ‘Anya’ to promote the ‘To Russia With Love’ project which helps abandoned and orphaned children in Russia.
The four-minute CG film follows the character of Anya and illustrates 20 years in the life of an abandoned child as she grows up in a Russian orphanage. The film, which originated from a short advert, aims to promote the Irish charity ‘To Russia With Love’, run by Debbie Deegan. Brown Bag is collaborating with Singapore’s Infinite Frameworks Studios on the animation. Over eighty people spread across five countries have been involved in the production of ‘Anya’.
‘Anya’ is written and directed by Brown Bag Films director Damien O’Connor (Mutt, Ledog, Dick Terrapin, After You). The IFTA nominated director was asked to create an online advert for the charity but instead decided to create a short film. The production of ‘Anya’ began in February 2013 when he travelled to Russia to meet the children and experience for himself the work that ‘To Russia With Love’ does.
O’Connor said: "To Russia With Love’ breaks the cycle of abandonment and give hope to the children in their care. The idea was simple; we make an engaging piece of animation, one that ideally packs an emotional punch. Unlike an advert, people are more likely to share a film online with friends or family, which of course helps spread the word about the charity. It's 'visual busking' in a way. We're all used to charity singles and calendars, so we applied the same approach to a full four minute computer animated film instead.”
The first preview screening of ‘Anya’ recently took place in one of the orphanages in Russia. “That was always a huge part of the goal as this film was created for them and the storyline is based on what we give each child under our wings of care, love and protection,” stated Deegan, Founder of 'To Russia With Love'.
‘Anya’ is produced by Edel Byrne and the original music for the film is composed by Darren Hendley (Octonauts, Olivia). The film has been publicly endorsed by top stars in Russia and is narrated by Russian actress Chulpan Khamatova and Irish singing star Lisa Hannigan features on vocals.
To support the work of 'To Russia With Love' text HUG to 50300 or donate online to torussiawithlove.ie.
‘Anya’ is available to watch here.
