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RUSSIAN RESURRECTION FILM FESTIVAL 2018
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website
OPENING NIGHT
THE COACH FILM REVIEW
website
review: Olga Tolkatcheva
Russian Resurrection movie festival
The Russian Resurrection movie festival is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year. Melbourne’s opening night on the 9th of November at ACMI was a fitting ceremony, full of fabulous entertainment and a joyful after-party. We are privileged in Australia to be able to participate in such multi-cultural events.
This highly anticipated festival is an annual tradition where Australian audiences can see the best of modern Russian films,
sometimes ahead of its homeland release. This year the festival features 16 films, diverse in themes and genres, however, all are united in rich traditions of Russian cinematography.
The opening night movie “Coach” is a thrilling sports drama and was made just before the World Cup in Russia. This movie is very enjoyable for both sports fans and soccer novices and has had huge popularity back home.
“The Last Warrior” is another big box office success. This light-hearted fantasy is based on Russian fairy-tales and is equally
entertaining for the whole family.
“Sobibor” is another compelling movie worth your attention. It is a Holocaust story, telling the dramatic events of the only successful mass breakout from a Nazi concentration camp.
The festival also has a retrospective of old favourites. Classic movies from the 50s, 60s, and 70s are well worth seeing.
This year is also significant for “Lenfilm” studios, celebrating its 100 year anniversary. The festival is showcasing the definitive films in the history of this St Petersburg’s movie production studio (previously Leningrad). Digitally remastered “The Cranes are Flying” is an internationally acclaimed masterpiece of Russian cinema, having received a Palme d’Or at Cannes (1958) among its many awards. Another movie with a string of international awards, “Hamlet” (1964), is
considered to be the best cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare, helped by the amazing translation by Boris Pasternak, and featuring the stars of Russian cinema.
The opening night had many memorable moments. Opening speeches were by Nicholas Maksymow, the Festival Director, and Irina Anufrievna, Treasurer of Russian Ethnic Representative Council. There was a glimpse into Russian culture with ‘Carousel’ singing group serenading the audience with traditional folk songs, and “Cocoschnik in Australia” with the enthusiast leader Tamara Barrass showcasing the national richly decorated festive costumes and
traditional rituals of welcoming the guests. Mishka The Bear was also there to entertain the guests.
The after-party was sponsored by White Birch Vodka serving unlimited drinks. There was great entertainment with Russian and International music provided by band ‘KGB’ and singer Ana Staisy. Russian Folk Ensemble “Rusichi” presented traditional dance with great flair. By the end of the night the dance floor was rocking and everybody had a wonderful time.
We wait with anticipation for next year’s opening night! Meanwhile, the movies will be showing at two locations until the 18th November: Federation square ACMI and Classic Cinema Elsternwick. There are movies for all tastes, including historical war dramas, thrillers, comedies, imaginative flights of fantasy, or the realistic dramas of everyday life. Take you pick from the festival timetable:
http://russianresurrection.com/2018/sessions/2018-melbourneclassic
http://russianresurrection.com/2018/sessions/2018-acmimelbourne
THE COACH FILM REVIEW
website
review: Olga Tolkatcheva
Russian Resurrection movie festival
The Russian Resurrection movie festival is celebrating its fifteenth anniversary this year. Melbourne’s opening night on the 9th of November at ACMI was a fitting ceremony, full of fabulous entertainment and a joyful after-party. We are privileged in Australia to be able to participate in such multi-cultural events.
This highly anticipated festival is an annual tradition where Australian audiences can see the best of modern Russian films,
sometimes ahead of its homeland release. This year the festival features 16 films, diverse in themes and genres, however, all are united in rich traditions of Russian cinematography.
The opening night movie “Coach” is a thrilling sports drama and was made just before the World Cup in Russia. This movie is very enjoyable for both sports fans and soccer novices and has had huge popularity back home.
“The Last Warrior” is another big box office success. This light-hearted fantasy is based on Russian fairy-tales and is equally
entertaining for the whole family.
“Sobibor” is another compelling movie worth your attention. It is a Holocaust story, telling the dramatic events of the only successful mass breakout from a Nazi concentration camp.
The festival also has a retrospective of old favourites. Classic movies from the 50s, 60s, and 70s are well worth seeing.
This year is also significant for “Lenfilm” studios, celebrating its 100 year anniversary. The festival is showcasing the definitive films in the history of this St Petersburg’s movie production studio (previously Leningrad). Digitally remastered “The Cranes are Flying” is an internationally acclaimed masterpiece of Russian cinema, having received a Palme d’Or at Cannes (1958) among its many awards. Another movie with a string of international awards, “Hamlet” (1964), is
considered to be the best cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare, helped by the amazing translation by Boris Pasternak, and featuring the stars of Russian cinema.
The opening night had many memorable moments. Opening speeches were by Nicholas Maksymow, the Festival Director, and Irina Anufrievna, Treasurer of Russian Ethnic Representative Council. There was a glimpse into Russian culture with ‘Carousel’ singing group serenading the audience with traditional folk songs, and “Cocoschnik in Australia” with the enthusiast leader Tamara Barrass showcasing the national richly decorated festive costumes and
traditional rituals of welcoming the guests. Mishka The Bear was also there to entertain the guests.
The after-party was sponsored by White Birch Vodka serving unlimited drinks. There was great entertainment with Russian and International music provided by band ‘KGB’ and singer Ana Staisy. Russian Folk Ensemble “Rusichi” presented traditional dance with great flair. By the end of the night the dance floor was rocking and everybody had a wonderful time.
We wait with anticipation for next year’s opening night! Meanwhile, the movies will be showing at two locations until the 18th November: Federation square ACMI and Classic Cinema Elsternwick. There are movies for all tastes, including historical war dramas, thrillers, comedies, imaginative flights of fantasy, or the realistic dramas of everyday life. Take you pick from the festival timetable:
http://russianresurrection.com/2018/sessions/2018-melbourneclassic
http://russianresurrection.com/2018/sessions/2018-acmimelbourne
photography: Anna Starikova
video by Bryanna Reynolds at Bryanna Reynolds Multimedia Journalist & Producer and Alaina Reynolds at Reynolds Sister Productions
BTS photos; Natasha Marchev
THE LAST WARRIOR
website
review: Olga Tolkatcheva
The Last Warrior
This movie is a light-hearted fantasy feature, equally entertaining for both adults and kids. You don’t really need to know Russian fairy-tales and folklore characters – the scenario is pretty simple.
Modern day young man Ivan, who proclaimed himself a ‘wizard’ and cynically exploits the people’s beliefs in the unexplained and mysterious, is magically transported into the land of Belogorie, where the fairy tales and magic really exist. He is proclaimed to be the last warrior, bogatir, and the only hope of forces of good to overpower the forces of evil. Belogorie is in trouble: the beautiful sorceress Varvara wants to rule this land. She is powerful and cunning and turns to stone all magical creatures and anybody who could stop her.
Unlikely allies: evil Koschei The Undead and witch Baba Yaga, normally folkloric ‘bad guys’, join forces with Ivan in the quest to find The Magic Sword and defeat the sorceress.
Comedy is richly woven into the storyline – we get plenty of funny moments as technology-dependent Ivan has to navigate through the fantasy land of magic and to deal with the unusual inhabitants. Actor Viktor Khorinyak is perfect as goofy, but charismatic Ivan with the easy-going attitude.
The main character name was chosen for a reason: Ivan The Fool features in many traditional Slavic fairy-tales, called this mainly for his unwillingness to profit personally from the situations or to choose the easier path. He is a reluctant hero, winning more through luck, than calculated action.
The movie is shot beautifully on exotic locations with plenty of special CG effects, sword fights, and action.
'The Last warrior' was made with collaboration with The Walt Disney Company and in 2017 was a huge box office success in Russia.
website
review: Olga Tolkatcheva
The Last Warrior
This movie is a light-hearted fantasy feature, equally entertaining for both adults and kids. You don’t really need to know Russian fairy-tales and folklore characters – the scenario is pretty simple.
Modern day young man Ivan, who proclaimed himself a ‘wizard’ and cynically exploits the people’s beliefs in the unexplained and mysterious, is magically transported into the land of Belogorie, where the fairy tales and magic really exist. He is proclaimed to be the last warrior, bogatir, and the only hope of forces of good to overpower the forces of evil. Belogorie is in trouble: the beautiful sorceress Varvara wants to rule this land. She is powerful and cunning and turns to stone all magical creatures and anybody who could stop her.
Unlikely allies: evil Koschei The Undead and witch Baba Yaga, normally folkloric ‘bad guys’, join forces with Ivan in the quest to find The Magic Sword and defeat the sorceress.
Comedy is richly woven into the storyline – we get plenty of funny moments as technology-dependent Ivan has to navigate through the fantasy land of magic and to deal with the unusual inhabitants. Actor Viktor Khorinyak is perfect as goofy, but charismatic Ivan with the easy-going attitude.
The main character name was chosen for a reason: Ivan The Fool features in many traditional Slavic fairy-tales, called this mainly for his unwillingness to profit personally from the situations or to choose the easier path. He is a reluctant hero, winning more through luck, than calculated action.
The movie is shot beautifully on exotic locations with plenty of special CG effects, sword fights, and action.
'The Last warrior' was made with collaboration with The Walt Disney Company and in 2017 was a huge box office success in Russia.
NIGHT SHIFT
website
review: Olga Kirk
Night Shift
Producers: Emin Agalarov, Marius Weisberg
Actors:Vladimir Yaglych
Pavel Derevyanko
Ksenia Teplova
Natalia Bardo
Sergey Glushko
Igor Zhizhikin
Valentina Mazunina
Elena Valyushkina
Emin Agalarov
Natalia Bochkareva
Anna Mikhailovskaya
Igor Ugarov
Hunky Max, a hard worker, and an exemplary family man worked for a long time at the plant, but at one point he was unemployed because of the bankruptcy of the factory. In the end, in order to feed the family, Max, a very fit guy, on the advice of his former classmate, decides to go into stripping. He lies to his lovely wife and daughter that he has taken on night shift welding work that brings in considerably more than his old factory job. This leads to many ridiculous situations.
Max's hopeless, sex-obsessed best friend Sergei, his new beautiful girlfriend and her perverted mother and we have a recipe for delightful debauchery.
Filming took place in St. Petersburg. One of the great opportunities to see the views and atmosphere of a big Russian city. This is a raunchy, beautifully crafted comedy that is hilarious and really funny.
In addition to a great acting from famous actors, we must pay tribute to the choice of the soundtracks. It seems simple and even stereotyped music, but nevertheless well chosen.
For myself, I noticed that in the film, in fact, there is not a single real negative character, and this is not often seen in films.
In conclusion if you like non deep meaningful stories, if you like to laugh, to enjoy a little bit for family happiness, then this film is for you. Thanks to the creators of this movie. Also happy that there is no vulgar humor.
I will be glad to watch this film more than once.
website
review: Olga Kirk
Night Shift
Producers: Emin Agalarov, Marius Weisberg
Actors:Vladimir Yaglych
Pavel Derevyanko
Ksenia Teplova
Natalia Bardo
Sergey Glushko
Igor Zhizhikin
Valentina Mazunina
Elena Valyushkina
Emin Agalarov
Natalia Bochkareva
Anna Mikhailovskaya
Igor Ugarov
Hunky Max, a hard worker, and an exemplary family man worked for a long time at the plant, but at one point he was unemployed because of the bankruptcy of the factory. In the end, in order to feed the family, Max, a very fit guy, on the advice of his former classmate, decides to go into stripping. He lies to his lovely wife and daughter that he has taken on night shift welding work that brings in considerably more than his old factory job. This leads to many ridiculous situations.
Max's hopeless, sex-obsessed best friend Sergei, his new beautiful girlfriend and her perverted mother and we have a recipe for delightful debauchery.
Filming took place in St. Petersburg. One of the great opportunities to see the views and atmosphere of a big Russian city. This is a raunchy, beautifully crafted comedy that is hilarious and really funny.
In addition to a great acting from famous actors, we must pay tribute to the choice of the soundtracks. It seems simple and even stereotyped music, but nevertheless well chosen.
For myself, I noticed that in the film, in fact, there is not a single real negative character, and this is not often seen in films.
In conclusion if you like non deep meaningful stories, if you like to laugh, to enjoy a little bit for family happiness, then this film is for you. Thanks to the creators of this movie. Also happy that there is no vulgar humor.
I will be glad to watch this film more than once.
I'M LOOSING WEIGHT
website
review: Olga Kirk
I’m losing weight
Film Director: Alexey Nuzhny
Actors: Alexandra Bortich
Irina Gorbacheva
Sergey Shnurov
Evgeniy Kulik
Roman Kurtsyn
Aleksandr Ptashenchuk
Elena Valyushkina
Valeria Dergileva
In the centre of the plot is a young girl Anya (Alexandra Bortich), who is very fond of food. And also in love with her boyfriend Zenya (Roman Kurtsyn), a handsome, bodybuilder and athlete. Zhenya doesn’t like the way Anna’s appearance begins to change because of her love for junk food. The recovered bride is not needed by such an athlete, and therefore the boy decides to leave the girl, who does not want to follow her appearance and diet at all. Anya just does not give up, she sets a clear goal for herself - to get rid of weight as soon as possible.
In the company of her best friend (Irina Gorbacheva) and the boy who is also fat but obsessed with a healthy lifestyle, Kolya (Evgeniy Kulik) goes on a fun adventure to save her love.
The cast of the film will be primarily interested in the participation of musician Sergei Shnurov, as well as all fans of the actress Alexandra Bortich, who was not scared and heroically put on 20 kg for the film, then lost weight in a month and a half and returned to her original size.
The film is very saturated with Russian reality (in a good way), special thanks goes to the director Alexei Nuzhny. This is not a comedy, this is rather a positive melodrama. A beautiful easy to watch film, vital, funny and sad, it can be safely saved in the playlist to watch at home, especially for the younger generation. It’s may also motivate some girls to get into shape.
The soundtrack is perfectly matched with the film.
Resentment - this is still the harmful thing that caused the inner alarm of Anna. It is necessary to love yourself, but also educate too.
“Time to grow up”, “loose weight not for summer but for yourself”, “love yourself the way you are”- these are the main messages to take from the film.
website
review: Olga Kirk
I’m losing weight
Film Director: Alexey Nuzhny
Actors: Alexandra Bortich
Irina Gorbacheva
Sergey Shnurov
Evgeniy Kulik
Roman Kurtsyn
Aleksandr Ptashenchuk
Elena Valyushkina
Valeria Dergileva
In the centre of the plot is a young girl Anya (Alexandra Bortich), who is very fond of food. And also in love with her boyfriend Zenya (Roman Kurtsyn), a handsome, bodybuilder and athlete. Zhenya doesn’t like the way Anna’s appearance begins to change because of her love for junk food. The recovered bride is not needed by such an athlete, and therefore the boy decides to leave the girl, who does not want to follow her appearance and diet at all. Anya just does not give up, she sets a clear goal for herself - to get rid of weight as soon as possible.
In the company of her best friend (Irina Gorbacheva) and the boy who is also fat but obsessed with a healthy lifestyle, Kolya (Evgeniy Kulik) goes on a fun adventure to save her love.
The cast of the film will be primarily interested in the participation of musician Sergei Shnurov, as well as all fans of the actress Alexandra Bortich, who was not scared and heroically put on 20 kg for the film, then lost weight in a month and a half and returned to her original size.
The film is very saturated with Russian reality (in a good way), special thanks goes to the director Alexei Nuzhny. This is not a comedy, this is rather a positive melodrama. A beautiful easy to watch film, vital, funny and sad, it can be safely saved in the playlist to watch at home, especially for the younger generation. It’s may also motivate some girls to get into shape.
The soundtrack is perfectly matched with the film.
Resentment - this is still the harmful thing that caused the inner alarm of Anna. It is necessary to love yourself, but also educate too.
“Time to grow up”, “loose weight not for summer but for yourself”, “love yourself the way you are”- these are the main messages to take from the film.
SELFIE
website
review: Nadia Pleshkova
When we post our selfies on social media, are they really expressing the true nature of ourselves or are they of much better versions of us? And what if, one day, somebody else decides to become us and to steal our identity based on these images.
The psychological thriller “Selfie” is about a famous TV host/writer Vladimir Bogdanov whose life has turned upside down with the intrusion of a doppelgänger. Is he about to lose everything? What choices and conclusions is the original Bogdanov going to make? What life values are going to dominate those decisions?
A 140 minutes long movie has its culmination only towards the end. The film’s unexpected twist ending and a great cast of Konstantin Khabenskiy, Fydor Bondarchuk and Anna Michalkova are worth watching.
website
review: Nadia Pleshkova
When we post our selfies on social media, are they really expressing the true nature of ourselves or are they of much better versions of us? And what if, one day, somebody else decides to become us and to steal our identity based on these images.
The psychological thriller “Selfie” is about a famous TV host/writer Vladimir Bogdanov whose life has turned upside down with the intrusion of a doppelgänger. Is he about to lose everything? What choices and conclusions is the original Bogdanov going to make? What life values are going to dominate those decisions?
A 140 minutes long movie has its culmination only towards the end. The film’s unexpected twist ending and a great cast of Konstantin Khabenskiy, Fydor Bondarchuk and Anna Michalkova are worth watching.
PAGANS
website
review: Nadia Pleshkova
A term Paganism covers a great number of spiritual and religious beliefs. Thus the movie “PAGANS” portrays one Russian family, co-existing under the same roof, where every member lives and breathes their own faith, completely different from others.
The movie explores the insides of the difficulties of everyday life and the tangled relationships between all the members of the family. Each character is presented as complex and fascinating one.
This emotional drama presents the possibility of showing the compassion and sympathy towards each other, although these feelings surface mostly under the tragic circumstances.
The film makes it even sadder because it came out as a tribute to its play writer and poet Anna Yablonskya, tragically killed in the bomb attack in Moscow’s Domodedovo airport in 2011, where Anna arrived to receive an award for her own play “Pagans”. This play is one of a dozen written by Anna and has been considered the best play of the Lyubimovka young play festival. Overall it is a warm-hearted movie.
website
review: Nadia Pleshkova
A term Paganism covers a great number of spiritual and religious beliefs. Thus the movie “PAGANS” portrays one Russian family, co-existing under the same roof, where every member lives and breathes their own faith, completely different from others.
The movie explores the insides of the difficulties of everyday life and the tangled relationships between all the members of the family. Each character is presented as complex and fascinating one.
This emotional drama presents the possibility of showing the compassion and sympathy towards each other, although these feelings surface mostly under the tragic circumstances.
The film makes it even sadder because it came out as a tribute to its play writer and poet Anna Yablonskya, tragically killed in the bomb attack in Moscow’s Domodedovo airport in 2011, where Anna arrived to receive an award for her own play “Pagans”. This play is one of a dozen written by Anna and has been considered the best play of the Lyubimovka young play festival. Overall it is a warm-hearted movie.
Bohemian Rhapsody Club and Magazine expresses its special thanks to the RRFF18 and opening night event management and organisers (and personally to Annette Smith at #NedAndCoPR, Elena Metlenko and Nicholas Maksymow for the kind invite and the opportunity to cover the opening night and festival films as well as to Bri, Alaina, Anna, Olga T, Olga K and Nadia P for their coverage
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