Leo da Vinci – Missione Monna Lisa: animated film about young Leonardo da Vinci

The Italian animation film 'Leo da Vinci – Missione Monna Lisa' will be released in Italian cinemas on January 11, 2018. Produced by Alcuni and directed by Sergio Manfio, the film took 32 months to produce, involving 408 people, over 2,000 A3 sheets for character design, and more than 100,000 frames for 82 minutes of animation. It follows a teenage Leonardo da Vinci, his friend Lisa (whom he secretly loves), Agnese, and Niccolò (a Polish boy passionate about astronomy, inspired by Copernicus) as they search for a hidden treasure in the waters of Tuscany and Elba island, hindered by pirates. Leonardo's inventions, including a diving suit, help them succeed. The film portrays Leonardo as a modern superhero with black rebellious hair, green eyes, leather bracelets, and sturdy boots, emphasizing his creativity and ability to turn dreams into reality. Director Sergio Manfio notes that the theme of creativity is typically Italian, often neglected, and humorously suggests Leonardo's move to France foreshadowed Italy's brain drain.