Prince Vladimir (film)

Prince Vladimir Russian , Knyaz Vladimir is a 2006 Russian traditionallyanimated feature film. It is loosely based on the story of prince Vladimir the Fair Sun, who converted Kievan Rus a predecessor state of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus to Christianity in the late 10th century. The film tells a romanticized version of the story, adapted for children and filled with fantasy elements.

In the beginning of the film, being under the influence of the high priest Krivzha, the Prince is a young, impulsive and cruel pagan. Fighting for supreme power, Vladimir wins a battle that kills his brother. Regretting what he has done, Vladimir does not suspect a conspiracy between the priest and the Pechenegs. Vladimir is concerned about gathering the Slavic tribes into one united state. Solving this major task, he faces obstacles, which Vladimir overcomes in the end, defeating Krivzha and winning the battle against Kurya, a Pecheneg chief.Production started in 1997 with research into the customs of the time period as well as character design. Originally, the story was to be told through a series of 30minute shorts, but the idea was scrapped. The first proposal presentation of Prince Vladimir took place on April 17, 2000, at the Russian Cultural Fund. Soon after, work began in earnest, and about 120 animators were employed on the film. At the 2002 Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Prince Vladimir was named one of the worldsmost anticipated upcoming animated films. The first official presentation of the finished film took place on February 3, 2006, for the press. ........

Source: Wikipedia