More About This Film
Restlessness is a feature-length Russian animated film associated with filmmaker Leonid Shmelkov. The project uses hand-crafted animation and a reflective, introspective approach to examine characters caught between everyday routine, imagination and a persistent feeling that something is out of balance.
Shmelkov is known for distinctive author-driven animation, and Restlessness continues that tradition with a deliberately personal visual language. Its presentation places mood and metaphor alongside character movement, making it closer to an art-animation experience than a conventional commercial cartoon.
- Directed by Leonid Shmelkov.
- The film is approximately 80-85 minutes long.
- Also known under Russian titles including Беспокойство and Непокой.
- The project received a jury special mention at the 2025 Big Cartoon Festival.
- It has screened at Russian festival programs including Suzdal and the Moscow International Film Festival.
Where to Watch
Restlessness has primarily circulated through Russian animation festivals and digital catalogues, with international availability limited.