From My-Ville to You-Ville
Children’s Animation
The Brief
From I-ville to You-ville, written by Mersinie Vigopolous, is a widely-known, best selling Christian children’s book in Europe, where its popularity has led to theatrical adaptations mounted by school groups and theaters across the continent. It has since been translated into 20 languages — including English — and is currently on its eighth printing.
A story which helps young and old understand how we can overcome our selfishness and love one another through the eyes of two small children in an adventure that leaves us changed for the better on the inside.
SCRIPT
The story presents an entertaining, kid-friendly spin on a Christian allegory reminiscent of Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. The story follows Stubborn, a prideful young boy who lives in the kingdom of I-ville, a place where selfishness is the norm, and the citizens obey the motto “Me first” — all under the thumb of their vain queen, Conceit. After growing irritated with his friends when they refuse to crown him the fastest runner in I-ville, Stubborn wanders off towards the city limits, where he encounters a charming and gentle young girl named Serenity.
As we travel along with Stubborn on his dynamic adventures, we absorb powerful lessons about how to best deal with negative feelings in a healthy and productive manner. But this is no preachy or stodgy doctrine — Stubborn meets with numerous colorful characters, overcomes perilous obstacles and must defeat the sinister machinations of Conceit. Ultimately, Stubborn leads many of the downtrodden citizens of I-Ville to the promised land of You-Ville, where they are greeted with open arms by the citizens, who even go so far as to build them houses. Owing to this great kindness, these travelers are able to shake off the spell of ego and embrace the new dawn of human goodness. Indeed, the journey of young Stubborn is one packed with excitement, as well as universal themes that all of us — young and old — can ultimately find meaning in.
With its status as an international touchstone, as well as its page-turning serialized plot and strong spiritual and ethical core, From I-Ville To You-Ville is perfectly positioned for adaptation as a narrative animation series that could appeal to the faith-based market and far beyond.
CATEGORY:
Children’s Animation
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER:
Dr. Norris J. Chumley, Stamoulis publications
CO-PRODUCER:
Creative Studio Park Mabrida (Phaidon Sofianos)
STORY:
Mersinie Vigopolous
