The Wizard of the Emerald City. Part I

A 2025 Russian fantasy film directed by Igor Voloshin, based on the eponymous fairy tale by Alexander Volkov. The story follows a girl named Ellie, who lives in a distant city and is swept away with her dog Totoshka by a hurricane conjured by the wicked witch Gingema, landing in the land of the Munchkins. To return home, Ellie embarks on a journey along the yellow brick road to the Emerald City, hoping that the Great Wizard will grant her wish. Along the way, she meets new friends: Scarecrow, who desires brains; Tin Woodman, who longs for a heart; and Cowardly Lion, who seeks courage. Together, they overcome numerous challenges, face dangers, and discover that true strength and wisdom lie within themselves. The main cast includes Ekaterina Chervova (Ellie), Yuri Kolokolnikov (Scarecrow), Evgeny Chumak (Tin Woodman), Artur Vakha (Cowardly Lion), Dmitry Chebotaryov (Goodwin), and Svetlana Khodchenkova (Gingema). The film received mixed reviews from critics: while the high-quality special effects and acting were praised, some reviewers criticized the limited plot, covering only the first half of the book. The premiere took place on January 1, 2025.