Saving Bella

Set in Leningrad during December 1941, this historical drama follows a group of zoo employees struggling to survive the hardships of war. While facing their own life-threatening conditions, the staff works to protect the zoo animals from shelling and starvation. A central focus of their efforts is the care of a hippopotamus named Krasavitsa. Through their dedication to the animals, the caretakers find a way to maintain their humanity and provide a sense of hope to the city's residents.

The film was directed by Anton Bogdanov, who also served as a producer and co-wrote the screenplay alongside Alexandra Ilyina and Artem Mikhaylov. It was produced by the Cinema Fund, Pandora, and Prospect Mira Film Company. This Russian production has a runtime of 103 minutes.