Time Hoppers: The Silk Road, which started as an innocent web animation six years ago on Muslim Kids TV, has grown into a milestone in family entertainment.

The movie has become the first theatrically released animated feature made by and for the Muslim community. Pre-sales have already topped 35,000 tickets, proving there’s an eager audience for independent animation.

The film is based onnfour talented children from 2050 who discover time travel and embark on a mission to protect history’s greatest scientists from an evil alchemist threatening the future of modern science along the ancient Silk Road.

Gabriel Milo, COO of Milo Productions, revealed that the concept first grew as a mobile game funded through Canadian production grants. Within three months, the game amassed over 100,000 downloads, signaling strong demand for Muslim-centered content.

“For the first time, Muslim children will be able to see themselves reflected on the big screen,” Milo said. “That was something we saw was missing, and we saw a real market opportunity.”

As theatrical releases for animated films face tough competition, Time Hoppers shows that grassroots, culturally resonant storytelling can still capture hearts and ticket sales across the U.S.

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is set to hit over 660 U.S. theaters on February 7,