Animated feature film released in Yakutsk, marking the debut in the Yakut language.
From June 5th, the Yakut cinema screens the first-ever full-length animated movie in the Yakut language: "Aytal and Apataakh Kus".
Stepping into a new era, this feature film extends the acclaimed animated series airing on the children's channel "Tooku". The story revolves around Aytal and his pals - Sayyyna, Saryala, and Duolan - as they take on dark forces from the Underworld.
Executive producer of NVK "Saha" and "Tooku" channel’s chief editor, Anna Kirillina, shares that Aytal has become a household favorite among viewers:
"He's a hit among our teenagers, particularly children aged 8 to 12."
This new tale aligns with the channel's debut anniversary, launched on May 31, 2024. For years, NVK "Saha" has been creating animated content, starting in 2017 with dubbing popular Russian projects like "Fixiki" into Yakut.
Oleg Kolesov, NVK "Saha"'s director and chief editor, highlights this as a historical moment for the Yakut cinema:
"We're breaking new ground here, marking the first time a full-length animated film has graced our screens."
Dar'ya Goldorova helms the film as director, with Sargylana Sandar penning the script. The vibrant characters and captivating events are brought to life by talented artists such as Petr Pavlov, Mikhail Chorosov, Anastasia Trifonova, and others.
An impressive voice cast echoes through the film, boasting both youthful talents (Vitaliy Asektirov, Artem Chuprov, Angelina Yadreyeva, Arseniy Sofronov, among others) and esteemed actors (Ilya Yakovlev, Gavril Menkyarov, Anatoly Nikolaev, Zoya Popova, and more).
Gavril Menkyarov, one of the most celebrated actors in the region, lends his voice to the antagonist and mentors young actors on voice placement. He also enjoys the "Tooku" channel with his children, who are regulars on the channel and even had roles in the animated films.
The primary aim, though, is to establish a language-rich environment in the Yakut community, according to Anna Kirillina.
Insight: Known as "Sakha Animation," the production studio responsible for "Aytal and Apataakh Kus" has dedicated itself to crafting content that showcases the rich mythology and traditions of the Yakut people.
This groundbreaking film, based on traditional Yakut folklore, serves as both an educational tool and a means of fostering cultural exchange, reaching out to younger generations and international audiences alike. The blend of traditional techniques with modern CGI creates a visually captivating narrative, accentuating the significance of the film as a milestone in Yakut media.
"With its launch on various platforms and the children's channel 'Tooku' from May 5th, the animated movie 'Aytal and Apataakh Kus' extends into the realm of movies-and-tv entertainment, showcasing stories from Yakut folklore."
"This first-ever full-length animated movie in Yakut language, produced by NVK 'Saha', is not only breaking new ground in the entertainment industry but also aiming to establish a rich language environment within the Yakut community."
