RUSSIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Russia may not be everyone’s cup of samovar-brewed tea when it comes to rogue politics, human rights, or even a love of fur, but there’s one thing it gets right pretty much every time: and that’s cinematic culture.

Put it down to what you may, but the deep Russian soul sure can tell a good yarn, and capturing human suffering, joy and heartache is at the core of what the world’s biggest country does best.

The Russian Resurrection Film Festival, now in its eighth year, brings to our shores some of the best offerings from Russia’s thriving cinematic scene. Showcasing the latest box-office hits (such as comedies Six Degrees of Celebration and Lucky Trouble – starring supermodel-turned-actress Milla Jovovich), alongside classics (like Oscar-winner Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears and Station for Two – which generations of former Soviets can quote nearly word for word with their eyes closed), the diverse program promises to engage, amuse and delight.

The carefully selected range, which Festival Director Nicholas Maksymow has chosen, “with our viewers in mind, to create a more focussed and succinct program for 2011,” caters to everyone from lovers of art-house cinema, to expats, fiends of all things from the motherland, and those that just want to see some fantastic films from foreign shores.

Based at Paddington’s Chauvel cinema (with some sessions at Event Cinemas in Burwood and Bondi Junction), make sure you say ‘Da’ to this highlight of the film festival circuit.

Sep 1-14, various venues, visit russianresurrection.com for more details