BRICS+ Media Centre shows animated films from Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa in Moscow

On 27 December, the BRICS+ Information and Cultural Media Centre in Moscow hosted New Year screenings of animated films by directors from BRICS countries. Guests of the event, organised by the TV BRICS International Media Network, also explored the cultures of BRICS nations through educational lectures and engaging contests.

“BRICS animation is extremely diverse: it is a kaleidoscope of genres, directions, and styles; it features vastly different approaches and storytelling methods, including hand-drawn, computer-generated, puppet, and sand animation. [...] This makes it challenging to evaluate BRICS animated films as they are so varied. However, one unifying factor stands out: universal human values such as family, love, respect for elders, helping others, and striving for goodness and justice,” said Oksana Serpak, Press Secretary of the TV BRICS International Media Network and Head of the BRICS+ Information and Cultural Media Centre.

During the event, children and adults watched several episodes of the Russian animated series Children of the Arctic (2021, directed by Oksana Aleksandrova) and participated in a lecture and contest programme on the Arctic led by the project’s chief editor, Artur Agafonov. Speaking to TV BRICS, Agafonov shared that the format of an animated series was chosen as the most accessible way to engage young audiences.

“We depict ordinary life situations where mutual assistance, friendship, and determination play a role, but we do so against the backdrop of our Arctic region, subtly educating viewers about what this area can be like,” Agafonov explained.

Brazilian animation was represented by six works, including Alba and the Guardian Angel (2023, directed by Neil Armstrong), Seed (2021, directed by Fabricio Rabachim and Flavia Rabachim), Shazem (2021, directed by Maiara Araujo), Seasons of Blossom (2022, directed by Breno Souza), Faisca (2022, directed by Luca Tarti and Paulo Lima), and Mind Duck (2022, directed by Lilly Nogami).

A lecture on Brazilian culture was delivered by Adriana Glebova, the creator of the Brazilian House project, along with her colleague. In an exclusive comment to TV BRICS, Glebova explained that the project was established to preserve and pass on Brazilian culture to children who have moved to Russia from Brazil.

The event also featured a screening of the Chinese animated film Sunny girl (2020, directed by Ju Yuanhao). Participants learnt about Chinese culture through a lecture by Mariya Kuzina, an actress, director, and specialist in Chinese musicals.

“Chinese animation is wonderful because it offers an easy way to learn about Chinese traditions, mythology, and festivals,” Kuzina emphasised.

Additionally, the audience watched the South African animated film Lisa and her mole (2022, directed by Nkosazana Mnisi, Fortune Maluleke, and Mordecai Ndvolu).

At the end of the evening, all the children received sweet gifts. The next screening of BRICS animated films is scheduled for 13 January 2025, with sessions starting at 4:00 PM.

The BRICS+ Media Centre was established by the Library for Foreign Literature and the TV BRICS International Media Network in October 2024. Its mission is to foster and strengthen humanitarian cooperation between different countries, promoting culture, science, and education.

Photo: TV BRICS