Russian Resurrection Film Festival 2017
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Date Reviewed: 09/11/2017
by Irena Begelfor
People may not realise it, but we are very fortunate in Australia to be running the largest and oldest Russian Film Festival outside Russia. This festival is run annually and this is the 14th year. I have selected a few films that I definitely would love to see at this festival.
The first one is an old classic from 1971, 12 Chairs. It stars some of my favourite actors like Yuriy Nikulin and Archil Gomiashvili. In a nutshell, the mother-in-law of Ippolit Vorobyaninov reveals to him, on her death-bed that she hid the family jewels in one of the 12 chairs they once owned. The chairs were sold-off separately. Ippolit and his buddy, a small-time-crook, Ostap Bender, team up and are on a mission to find the hidden diamonds. The film is all about this journey and it is hilarious!
I am curious to see the film called About Love. Adults Only (2017). It stars John Malkovich. He is one of my favourite actors and for me, it is a real surprise that he is staring in a Russian film. Also, I could learn a thing or two about love in the modern world.
I look forward to watching Snow Queen 3, Fire and Ice (2017) with my six-year-old daughter. As a child, I have always loved the story of Snow Queen. The trailer looks fabulous.
I am fortunate to have already seen The Bolshoi (2017). Interestingly, Margarita Simonova, who is an actual ballerina, plays one of the lead roles in this film(Yulia). It was a deliberate choice to choose Simonova. The film portrays what really happens behind the scenes of the Bolshoi Theatre. The film is about love, passion, competition and friendship. This is a beautifully crafted film, directed by the acclaimed Valery Todorovsky. I highly recommend it.
Thursday 9th of November, The Russian Resurrection Film Festival opens in Melbourne. The festival opens with Anna Karenina: Vronsky's Story, an adaptation of Tolstoy's powerful narrative. Even though tragic, and I will most likely shed a tear, this is one of the world's most famous love stories. I look forward to watch Karen Shakhnazarov's direction.
Traditionally, the opening of The Russian Resurrection Film Festival is colourful and festive. There is never a shortage of wine, vodka and other beverages. The festival is also generous with delicious gastronomical delights. Each year, there is a big Russian Bear that roams around at ACMI. There are also beautiful women wearing traditional, Russian garb that float around the venue. I have heard rumours of my favourite band, VulgarGrad (a band of Russian criminals), are performing on the night as well. I look forward to next Thursday. If you have not booked your ticket for Thursday night � I suggest you do it quickly. We can have a drink together! Nasdarovie!