Our Story

Hi, my name is Alex Kurilov. I am a Director and Writer. I am currently based in Moldova, which is a small country with no film industry, in South Eastern Europe.

I've always wanted to be a Director, but since no films are being made in Moldova I had to start working in the advertising business, producing spots for all needs and purposes besides film. In the ten years that I've been doing that I've developed a special kind of affinity toward all things graphic and especially 3D animation. We've done our share of commercial projects using these techniques and I decided that it is my best shot, for now at least, to produce a narrative film of my own. So, we've developed a few animated projects that we are eager to start production of. The development process has consumed pretty much all of our reserves and now we are at a stage where we're ready to start production but can't afford it, just yet.

So we are reaching out to all of you good folks out there who will decide that this project deserves to see the light of day.

The Synopsys

The first project we would like to produce is a film called IN EXILE. It is a short film about a seven-year old, provincial boy who is separated from both his parents and has to face life's challenges, on his own. Both his parents live in a different country, trying to make a bit more money. He is left in the care of his grandmother, who can't really give him the kind of moral support he needs. So, he willingly exiles himself to an abandoned river-bank shed, where he works on a flying machine that, in his mind, will take him to his parents. Until one day he makes an unexpected friend and gives up on his flying machine project to take care of this new friend. 

It is a coming of age story really, that tackles a very serious, global, social issue.

The Impact

Since this is a social project – the impact will be tremendous. We would like to see awareness toward this problem rise and manifest itself not only at the level of various NGO’s, but of capable individuals who have the means and will to make a difference. Unfortunately, not a very lot is being related about this subject. And it is a global problem that has hit hard, not only my country, but also many other across the globe.

This film is an attempt to present the problem without really talking about it. We intend to show it through the emotions and actions of our main character, through his decisions and his coming of age.

We don’t intend to shock or scare or point the finger. WE WANT TO ENTERTAIN while making a point.

The Style

The style of the film is what really sets it apart. As you will be able to see in the teaser trailer we’ve managed to put together and in the artwork, the film has a very distinctive pseudo-photorealistic feel to it. We worked very hard to achieve that feel and style of image. So, we want to make every shot look like a carefully put together photograph.  Also the film is silent. It will have no dialogue, to make it accessible to a global audience. At the same time there will be a very rich soundtrack to enhance the experience. There will be laughs and sighs and abundant sound effects, but no dialogue.

What We Need and What You Get

What we need is to be able to buy TIME! Currently we are in the business of surviving in between commercial projects. We’re not complaining – we make our rent. However to be able to pull this off we need to concentrate solely on this production for a longer period of time. And this is something we cannot currently afford. Also we need some technical upgrades to be able to handle the big amount of render data.

According to a little plan that we’ve put together we need 6 to 8 months to put this film together. So we need the money to be able to cover the bulk of our expenses over the course of this period. In case we don’t meet our goal the film will still happen. It will just be shorter than originally intended as we won’t be able to spend as much time working on it. However, one way or another this project will happen.

Not only do you have the opportunity to become part of the VERY FIRST MOLDOVAN 3D ANIMATED FILM but you also get incredible perks as well.

First of all, we want to keep everyone up to date on the progress, so you guys will be in the know on our every step, no matter how generous or modest your contribution. We’ve really approached this with an open heart and want to make you feel like a part of our team and a good friend. So, you’ll be getting everything, we could think of to give you, from the usual DVDs , posters and producer credits to an incredible wine tasting session in Europe’s Biggest Wine Cellar, which happens to be here, in Moldova.

Other ways to help

The success of this project depends entirely on the ease/rate with which people will find out about it. It’s as simple as that and we understand the implications. We only have that many friends and online connections, so we DEPEND ON YOU to spread the word and invite others to become part of this incredible story and adventure. So tell your friends and family. Don’t just bombard them with links (which will also be hugely appreciated) but also tell them about this project in person, having a cup of coffee. And even if your friends and/or family won’t be able to contribute, we want them to come in and watch the trailer and read our story, as it will be just as much of a contribution as any.