Director: Igor Voloshin
Cast: Ekaterina Chervova, Yuri Kolokolnikov, Artur Vakha, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Vasilina Makovtseva
The Wizard of the Emerald City, Part 1 is a 2025 Russian fantasy drama film directed by Igor Voloshin, reimagining the beloved Soviet literary classic for a new generation. A young girl named Ellie is swept away from her home by a magical storm, landing in a strange and wondrous land where an unforgettable adventure begins.
What is The Wizard of the Emerald City, Part 1 about?
When a powerful hurricane conjured by the sinister witch Gingema tears through Ellie's hometown, the girl and her loyal dog Totoshka are carried far away to the mysterious land of the Munchkins. Lost and desperate to find her way back, Ellie soon discovers that the only one who can grant her wish to return home is the legendary Wizard rumored to dwell in the distant Emerald City. To reach him, she must travel a long and treacherous yellow brick road — and she will not do so alone. Along the way, Ellie befriends a gentle Scarecrow longing for a brain, a Tin Woodman yearning for a heart, and a Cowardly Lion searching for courage. Together they form an unlikely fellowship, each carrying their own hope, heading toward a city that may hold the answer to all their dreams.
Cast & crew
The film is helmed by Igor Voloshin, a Russian filmmaker known for bold visual storytelling. The ensemble cast features Ekaterina Chervova as the central heroine Ellie, with Yuri Kolokolnikov and Svetlana Khodchenkova in pivotal supporting roles. Artur Vakha, Vasilina Makovtseva, Dmitry Chebotarev, Sergey Epishev, and Denis Vlasenko round out the main cast, bringing the fantastical characters to vivid life.
Context & significance
For Persian-speaking audiences and the Iranian diaspora, this Russian adaptation of a story rooted in the same mythology as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz carries warm familiarity. The tale of Ellie, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion has delighted generations of readers across Eurasia, including in Iran where such adventure classics resonate deeply. Russian fantasy cinema has a long tradition of lavish world-building and emotionally grounded storytelling, making this production particularly accessible to viewers who appreciate character-driven adventures. The film is presented in its original Russian audio with no Persian dubbing or subtitles, making it best suited for viewers comfortable with Russian-language content or those interested in exploring Russian cinematic fantasy.
Where & how to watch
The Wizard of the Emerald City, Part 1 is available on K-Time in its original Russian audio. No Persian dubbing or Persian subtitles are available for this title. You can watch on the web, on your TV دستگاه, or on your phone — no VPN needed, no geo-blocking, cancel anytime.