New York, NY – The vibrant and heartwarming animated film Mina premiered on Aug. 30 at the Middletown Cinema, captivating audiences with its bold reimagining of classic fairy tales.
Produced by Magic Frame Pictures and Creation Entertainment Media, and presented by Gan Jing World (GJW+), Mina delivers a refreshing blend of humor, adventure, and meaningful lessons that inspire courage, wisdom, and kindness for families and children.
Directed by Alex Tsitsilin (The Snow Queen series), with a screenplay by Analisa LaBianco and Jeffery Spencer, Mina features a stellar voice cast including Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld, Dan Edwards, and Vanessa Johansson. The film’s enchanting score, composed by Sefi Carmel and mixed in Dolby Atmos by Soundtrack Creation, perfectly complements its vivid animation and dynamic storytelling.
A modern fairy tale with heart
Set in a whimsical kingdom, Mina follows the rebellious princess Mina, who, after being kidnapped by an evil wizard, refuses to wait for rescue. Instead, she teams up with other princesses and a scholarly “non-traditional prince,” Ronan, for a daring escape. The story flips the fairy-tale trope, showcasing Mina’s independence, bravery, and cleverness as she leads the charge.
Film producer Tobias Elvhage, who attended the premiere, praised the film’s universal appeal: “The characters, like Mina and Ronan, go on journeys of growth. Even the bad guys have depth, and the resolution is harmonious, not violent. It’s creative and engaging for all ages.” He highlighted the talking bear as a standout, noting its role as a mentor figure that adds warmth to the story.
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Positive energy for families
Mina stands out for its uplifting tone and value-driven narrative. James White, a performer and media personality, shared, “The music supports the story beautifully, creating a light, uplifting feeling. The good characters focus on helping others, while the selfish ones face consequences—great moral lessons for kids.” White emphasized the score’s role, stating, “Music is essential. It pulls at your heartstrings and makes you laugh or cry.”
Families at the premiere echoed this sentiment. Hadas, a mother of two, said, “It was funny, and the kids were laughing out loud. It teaches bravery and wisdom—standing up for what you believe in.” Her daughters, Romi and Ori, enjoyed the humor and adventure, with Romi noting, “It’s great to see on Gan Jing Kids, a safe platform we love.”
Lena, another mother with a background in children’s entertainment, appreciated the balanced portrayal of good and evil: “The evil characters are ridiculous rather than terrifying, which is perfect for young kids. The animation is fluid, and the story feels like a classic fairy tale without the overly intense elements of some mainstream films.”
Inspiring young minds
Children at the premiere were particularly drawn to Mina’s empowering messages. Twelve-year-old Fiona loved the humorous horse, relating its exasperated expressions to her own sibling dynamics. She learned from Mina’s adventure to “solve problems with wisdom, not force.” Six-year-old Flora admired Mina’s selflessness, saying, “She’s brave and helps others first, even when she’s in trouble.” Her three-year-old brother, Conley, was thrilled by Ronan’s river mishap, a scene that sparked laughter among kids.
Cici, creator of DoReMi Kids Songs Channel, brought her family to the premiere dressed as Snow White, reflecting her excitement for Mina’s unique princess. “Mina is wise, brave, and independent—not waiting for a prince. This inspires kids, and I’ll incorporate these themes into our music,” she said. Her husband, Kean Wong, a veteran media professional, praised Gan Jing World’s mission: “It’s a safe platform for families, offering pure, traditional values in a world filled with inappropriate content.”
Gan Jing World’s mission of positive energy
At the premiere, Gan Jing World CEO Sherry Yin spoke about how Mina and the Dream Builders aligns with the platform’s mission: “Mina demonstrates resilience and independence. She not only stands strong on her own but also leads her friends in facing challenges—and even when helping others, she puts their needs before her own. That spirit sets a wonderful example for children.”
She added, “We chose Mina as Gan Jing World’s first exclusive original film release in North America because it conveys uplifting values. We hope this film is not just entertainment, but something that inspires children and families in meaningful ways—especially in today’s online environment that is often flooded with unhealthy content.”
Yin also introduced Gan Jing Kids, the platform’s upcoming content section designed specifically for children.
“Gan Jing Kids was developed in collaboration with education experts and carefully curated to support children’s cognitive, emotional, and language development. The goal is to provide a value-based, positive environment where kids can learn and grow in the safest way possible while still having fun.” Looking ahead, Yin said Gan Jing World will continue to promote impactful family films like Mina and aims to become a leader in positive entertainment.
Media host Guangyu Jiang added, “Mina revives the bright, heartwarming stories of our childhood, like Snow White. It’s a clean, positive platform for families, free from violence or inappropriate content. I’ll promote this film on my channels to encourage community engagement.”
A must-see family event
With its vibrant characters, stunning visuals, and heartfelt messages, Mina is poised to become a family favorite. Critics have called it “a modern fairy tale for a new generation,” praising its creativity and humor. The film’s premiere was a joyful community event, with families like Amy’s—whose three children loved the dynamic storytelling—eager to rewatch it on GJW+ starting Sept. 12.For families seeking inspiring, safe entertainment, Mina delivers laughter, adventure, and lessons in courage and kindness. Catch it in select theaters now or stream it exclusively on GJW+ from Sept. 12 at gjw.us/minamovieevent.
By Sarah Shao
