Timur Bekmambetov Set To Direct His Passion Project About The Muslim World Folk Hero Nasreddin Hodja

Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted, Night Watch) is officially set to direct and produce a passion project of his 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 gets into absurd situations, but ultimately always emerges victorious thanks to his wit, wisdom, and humor. He appears in thousands of folk tales across the Middle East and Asia, dating back to the 13th century.”

When talking about the folk hero, Bekmambetov said: “For people from the Middle East and Asia, he has superhero status. In this part of the world, he is known under different names, but for each 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’s a legacy that embodies the authenticity of the culture and unites 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 movie. The animation will be done by Yeni Dusler Animation, a production company. The English-language production will mark Bekmambetov’s first time playing in the animation medium.

When talking about the animation aspect of the film, the filmmaker said: “It is a common misconception that only designers can create animation. Modern software allows us to create stunning visuals, but it takes an understanding of the principles of acting to create a character behind them.”

Production on the movie is underway and it will be released sometime in 2024. No voice actors have been announced yet.

Source: Deadline