International superstar and all round action hero Jackie Chan sent an incredible message of support for To Russia with Love after seeing short film ANYA.

The film premiered in Russia this week and is being watched across the world this month as #SelfieWithAnya is getting bigger and BIGGER!

ANYA is a five minute animated film, charting twenty years in the life of a Russian orphan. It is a unique initiative with To Russia With Love to help raise funds for the charity.

The idea was simple; we make an engaging piece of animation, one that ideally packs an emotional punch.

If people are charmed or moved by it, they show their appreciation by sending a donation directly to To Russia With Love.

Unlike an advert, people are more likely to share a film online with friends or family, which of course helps spread the word about the charity. It’s ‘visual busking’ in a way. We’re all used to charity singles and calendars, so we applied the same approach to a full five minute computer animated film instead.

- Writer/Director Damien O’Connor.

PLEASE HELP TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE TO CONTINUE CHANGING THE LIVES OF ORPHANED AND ABANDONED CHILDREN TEXT HUG TO 50300 AND DONATE €4 (IRELAND ONLY) OR VISIT TO RUSSIA WITH LOVE TO DONATE ONLINE

100% of Text Cost goes to To Russia With Love across most network providers.

ANYA is directed by Damien O'Connor, produced by Edel Byrne and the original music for the film is composed by Darren Hendley (Octonauts, Olivia). Irish singing star Lisa Hannigan features on vocals. The film has been publicly endorsed by top stars in Russia and is narrated by Russian actress Chulpan Khamatova.