Volkovinha: The Movie

Volkovinha: The Movie (Portuguese: Volkovina em Os Mundos no Livro, lit. "Volkovinha in The Book Worlds") is a 2023 Brazilian animated fantasy-adventure feature film directed and written by Armandinho and produced by Picapau Filmes. It is the first theatrical movie based on the Volkovinha television series, though originally planned as a multi-episode arc of the second season (as a result shortening the episode count to six from a planned twelve).

The film was released theatrically in Brazil and Hispanoamerica on December 22, 2023 by Sony Pictures Releasing International. International right are handled by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (through the Buena Vista International banner).

Summary
Volkovinha and Zéca are visiting Taruga when they learn of the mythical Princess Luisa who is believed to have been real but most everyone in Vila Matalinda thinks was only a story. It later turns out she is trapped inside a book hidden somewhere in the hamlet's library and Bruxinha Dukampa cast the spell on her long ago. The evil hoary fox witch then casts Volkovinha and Zéca into the book and they must traverse the book's worlds to find Princess Luisa and break the spell before it's too late.

Production
With Volkovinha in production as far back as 2021 during Poly's earliest planning stages that year, a second season was contractual to be produced concurrently with the first. As he supervised production, Armandinho took notice of a second season plot arc and thought it had potential as a theatrical release instead of just as a multi-episode storyline. Picapau Filmes didn't want to spend further money on this sudden project, so it was decided to compile the episodes in production into a feature length.

The plot was the brainchild of series writer Marta Ruiz, who was looking to add further depth to Bruxinha Dukampa as a villain, explain why she began posing a threat to Vila Matalinda and create an opportunity for Volkovinha and Zéca to grow as characters.

Marketing
The film's first trailer was uploaded to YouTube on September 8, 2023 and generated over 1 million views by the end of the month, also being shown before films at movie theaters across Latin America. Commercial tie-ins were also secured with notable brands such as Elma Chips (Frito-Lay), Habib's and Grendene Kids etc. for Brazilian audiences in anticipation of the 2023 Christmas season.

Reception
The film was released to mixed reviews, with critics responding less positively than audiences. Though some deemed the animation quality below par for a theatrical feature, the emotional and fantastical aspects along with character development were praised.

Soundtrack
As with the Volkovinha television series and Loba Latina 2 (from which it originates), the film's score was composed by João Teixeira with a primarily folk and pop blend. It was be released on CD, vinyl and digital download through reputable services on December 21, 2023