Russian Resurrection Film Festival 2019
This film festival returns for 2019 bringing a program of 16 of the finest Russian films to the big screen for enthusiasts of foreign language films to enjoy.
Festival Director Nicholas Maksymow explained that producing films in Russia has become much easier in recent years owing to the financial injection by the Russian Ministry of Culture. Producers are also collaborating and finding private finance.
“Filmmakers still have the freedom to produce any film they want, however, if the government believes that the subject matter is controversial and paints Russia in a bad light, they may possibly make it difficult for the film to achieve a national release.”
Not surprisingly, Hollywood films dominate the Russian box office so Russian filmmakers are competing with Hollywood on a daily basis. “If there’s a huge Hollywood film being released the Russian film producers would try and delay the release of their films so they’re not competing on opening weekend with these blockbusters.”
Australian audiences should find these Russian films relatable. “They provide a good insight into life in Russia particularly the contemporary films. I hope they realise in a lot of aspects that Russians aren’t very different to the west. When you see the problems that people face in Russia, they are pretty much the same problems that people face in the west, so from that point of view that’s the general message and feeling that would come through the themes of these films.” (MMo)
Nov 7-17. Event George St, 505-525 George St. $19-$80+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.russianresurrection.com
HOT PICKS
ODESSA – A sentimental and personal story loosely based on the director’s (Valery Todorovsky) memories as a child growing up in Odessa in the 70s. Opening night film.
HERO – A true example of a Russian blockbuster similar to a humorous action-packed Mission Impossible-style spy story. Stars two of Russia’s most popular actors, Vladimir Mashkov and Alexander Petrov.
ANOTHER WOMAN – When a man comes home and tells his wife he wants a divorce she fights to ensure that the divorce does not get through. Comedy/drama.
