Laika, Brave Dog

Laika, Brave Dog is an emotional animated short directed by Francesco Catarinolo. Set in Moscow, 1957, the film revisits the historic launch of Sputnik II, the first spacecraft to carry a living being into orbit—Laika. Blending 2D and 3D animation, this powerful 8-minute story explores ambition, sacrifice, and the moral cost of progress during the space race. Through the bond between Laika and Dr. Adyla, the film examines humanity’s finest compassion and its darkest impulses.