Krasavitsa () is a 2026 Russian historical adventure film written, produced, and directed by Anton Bogdanov, based on the true story of the rescue of animals from the siege of Leningrad. The film stars actress Yulia Peresild as Evdokia Ivanovna Dashina, a real-life zookeeper who helped the hippopotamus named 'Krasavitsa' ('Beauty') and other animals survive the difficult years of the siege. The film also stars Slava Kopeykin, Stasya Miloslavskaya, Viktor Sukhorukov, Ivan Dobronravov, and Vladimir Afanasyev. The film tells the story of the efforts to save a hippopotamus named Krasavitsa, voiced by Mariya Aronova.
This film was theatrically released on February 19, 2026, by VLG.FILM.
The film takes place in the winter of 1941 in Leningrad. Sergeant Major Nikolai Svetlov suffers a severe concussion and, after treatment, is assigned to a zoo, where the staff save animals from death every day. A female hippopotamus named Beauty is special. At first, Nikolai wants to return to the front as soon as possible, but over time, he begins to understand the importance of his mission.
Voice cast
Anton Bogdanov served as director, screenwriter, and producer. The film is based on the true story of the selfless rescue of animals from the Leningrad Zoo in the winter of 1941, including the hippopotamus Krasavitsa.
Principal photography launched in late January 2025 in Saint Petersburg.