Leo's Atlas 2018
When the Soviet Union fell, its ambitious Buran space shuttle program vanished with it—except for one lost prototype rumored to be hidden in Siberia's frozen wilderness. Nearly three decades later, a nine-year-old boy named Leo refuses to believe the orbital marvel is truly gone.
Director: Viken Armenian
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Leo's Atlas (2018) about?
This 34-minute film follows nine-year-old Leo, who becomes obsessed with the idea that the Soviet Buran space shuttle—a discontinued Cold War relic—is hidden somewhere in Siberia. With the help of his friend Elizabeth, he searches abandoned Soviet launch sites for clues, blending historical curiosity with childhood adventure.
Who directed Leo's Atlas?
Leo's Atlas was directed by Viken Armenian, a filmmaker who brings a keen eye for historical storytelling and atmospheric visuals to the short film.
Who stars in Leo's Atlas?
The film features Lou-Teymour Thion as Leo, alongside Dounia Sichov as Elizabeth, with supporting roles played by Manali Blain and Andrew Isar.
Is Leo's Atlas (2018) worth watching?
As a short historical adventure, Leo's Atlas offers a unique blend of Cold War nostalgia and youthful determination. While its 34-minute runtime is brief, it delivers an engaging story that could appeal to fans of space history and coming-of-age narratives alike.
How long is Leo's Atlas?
Leo's Atlas runs for 34 minutes.
About Leo's Atlas (2018) — A Young Explorer's Quest Through Cold War Space History
When the Soviet Union fell, its ambitious Buran space shuttle program vanished with it—except for one lost prototype rumored to be hidden in Siberia's frozen wilderness. Nearly three decades later, a nine-year-old boy named Leo refuses to believe the orbital marvel is truly gone. Teaming up with his resourceful friend Elizabeth, he embarks on a quest across Kazakhstan's abandoned launch sites, fueled by childlike wonder and the belief that somewhere beneath the ice, the Buran still waits. Directed by Viken Armenian, Leo's Atlas (2018) blends historical intrigue with a heartfelt adventure, capturing the magic of discovery against a backdrop of faded Cold War glory.
This short film transforms a forgotten chapter of space history into a personal odyssey, where curiosity and persistence collide. With its moody visuals and youthful optimism, Leo's Atlas evokes both the mystery of lost technology and the unshakable spirit of those who refuse to let dreams disappear. It's a poignant reminder of how stories—like spacecraft—can outlast their creators.