Timur Bekmambetov decided to direct his own project dedicated to the popular hero of the Muslim world Nasreddin Hodja

Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Night vision) is officially set to direct and produce his own passionate project that he’s been trying to get off the ground for years. This is an animated project that will tell a story inspired by the iconic Middle Eastern, Balkan and Asian folk hero Hodja Nasreddin.

Nasreddin is “a wandering philosopher and prankster who finds himself in absurd situations, but always emerges victorious in the end thanks to his intelligence, wisdom and humor. He appears in thousands of folk tales throughout the Middle East and Asia dating back to the 13th century.

Speaking about the folk hero, Bekmambetov said, “For the people of the Middle East and Asia, he has the status of a superhero. In this part of the world he is known by different names, but for every country he is a national hero. In Kazakhstan they know him as Aldar Kose, in Turkey as Hodja, in Arab countries as Joha, in China as Afanti. If there is one legacy that embodies the authenticity of culture and unites the peoples of this part of the world, it is Hodja.”

This is a fascinating character and the project has the potential to be an epic animated film. The animation will be done by Yeni Dusler Animation, a production company. The English-language production will mark Bekmambetov’s first time in the medium of animation.

Speaking about the animated aspect of the film, the director said, “It’s a common misconception that only designers can create animation. Modern software allows us to create stunning visual effects, but it takes an understanding of the principles of acting to create a character behind it.”

The production of the film is underway and will be released in 2024. No voice actor has been announced yet.

Source: Deadline