“Maracuda’s journey is about challenging inherited beliefs. The sacred bird Tink isn’t just magical—it’s a mirror to the soul,” says screenwriter Aleksandr Arkhipov of The Myth Of Maracuda, a vibrant Russian animated adventure that blends Slavic mythology with a universal coming-of-age arc.
The Myth of Maracuda draws inspiration from Slavic mythology, coming-of-age folklore, and the emotional tension between tradition and individuality. Writer Aleksandr Arkhipov and director Viktor Glukhushin envisioned a story where a young boy’s failure to meet tribal expectations becomes the catalyst for a deeper journey into self-discovery and compassion.
The mystical forest Maracuda enters is more than a setting—it’s a symbolic space where inherited beliefs are tested. The sacred bird Tink, who grants Maracuda the ability to understand animals, represents a bridge between worlds: instinct and empathy, ritual and rebellion. The idea of sacrificing the sacred for prosperity echoes ancient myths but is reimagined here as a moral dilemma that challenges the protagonist’s growth.
“We wanted to tell a story where bravery isn’t about conquest—it’s about understanding,” says Glukhushin.
Glukhushin has also cited a desire to create a film that balances humour, emotional depth, and visual wonder, drawing from animated classics like Brother Bear and The Lion King, while infusing it with a distinctly Eastern European sensibility.
Maracuda, the son of Chief Marakud, is expected to become a great warrior, but he cannot hunt and feels like a disappointment to his tribe. Determined to prove himself, he ventures into a mystical forest where he meets Tink, a sacred bird who grants him the ability to understand the language of animals and birds. With this gift, Maracuda returns home a hero. But his triumph is shadowed by a devastating tradition: the sacred bird must be sacrificed for the tribe’s prosperity. As Maracuda grapples with this truth, he must choose between honouring custom and protecting the creature that changed his life.
Russian animation has a rich and eclectic history
Russian animation boasts a rich and eclectic legacy, weaving together strands of folklore, surrealism, and philosophical introspection.
Its journey began in the early 1900s with innovators like Alexander Shiryaev and Vladislav Starevich, who pioneered stop-motion and puppet techniques.
The Soviet era saw the rise of Soyuzmultfilm, a powerhouse studio that defined generations with emotionally resonant classics such as The Snow Queen (1957) and Hedgehog in the Fog (1975), which remain benchmarks of poetic storytelling.
Post-1990s, following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, animation entered a renaissance, expanding in style and genre through studios like CTB Film Company and Voronezh Animation Studio—producing contemporary family favorites such as The Big Trip and My Sweet Monster.
Across decades, standout films like The Mystery of the Third Planet and There Once Was a Dog showcase Russian animation’s thematic depth and inventive style, from hand-drawn surrealism and traditional folk adaptations to cutting-edge formats like paint-on-glass in The Old Man and the Sea.
Visually, Russian animation often leans into muted palettes and symbolic imagery, echoing its cultural roots in Slavic myth and existential inquiry. Experimental techniques serve not just aesthetic ends, but philosophical ones, making Russian animated storytelling a genre where visual poetry and emotional nuance converge.
Aleksandr Arkhipov is a Russian screenwriter, director, and producer. His creative career spans animation, fantasy, and family genres, with a particular focus on mythic storytelling and emotional transformation. Arkhipov’s writing credits include My Sweet Monster (2021), Sadko (2017), and Sinbad: Pirates of the Seven Storms (2017), each reflecting his interest in blending Slavic folklore with contemporary narrative structures. He also directed the documentary Govorit Sverdlovsk (2008), showcasing his versatility across formats. His work often explores the tension between tradition and individuality, a theme central to The Myth of Maracuda, where his script challenges inherited beliefs through the lens of a coming-of-age tale.
Viktor Glukhushin is a Russian director and visual effects artist known for his emotionally resonant animated films and contributions to Hollywood productions. Before stepping into directing, he worked on visual effects for films like Apollo 18 (2011), Wanted (2008), and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012), honing a cinematic style that blends atmosphere with precision. His directorial credits include My Sweet Monster (2021), The Nutcracker and the Magic Flute (2022), and The Myth of Maracuda (2025), where he brings a vibrant, myth-infused aesthetic to life. Glukhushin’s background in animation and VFX informs his storytelling approach, emphasising emotional depth, visual wonder, and cultural nuance.
