“Russian cinema is facing its best moment”
2024-08-26
한어Русский языкEnglishFrançaisIndonesianSanskrit日本語DeutschPortuguêsΕλληνικάespañolItalianoSuomalainenLatina
Our special correspondent to Russia Xu Liuliu Our special correspondent Liu Yupeng
On the evening of the 23rd, a long queue formed in front of the Moscow Art Cinema as people prepared to watch the many films screened during the Moscow International Film Week. According to Russia Today TV, the Moscow International Film Week will last from August 23 to 28, and eight Chinese films including "Lord of the Sky", "30,000 Miles from Chang'an" and "Mozart from Outer Space" will be screened in multiple theaters in Moscow. Not only Chinese films, more than 300 film screenings are planned to be organized during the film week to showcase Russian local films and works from more than 70 countries and regions including China, India, Iran and Egypt. Recently, Vadim Vereshchagin, CEO of the Russian Central Cooperative Film Company, one of the organizers and a well-known Russian producer, accepted an exclusive interview with the Global Times on topics such as the future development and internationalization of Russian films and Sino-Russian film cooperation.
Moscow to build a "film city"
"Many works including Lord of the Skies and The Battle at Lake Changjin represent the level of China's film industry and show different Chinese narratives." In Vadim's view, the development of the Chinese and Russian film industries is "almost on the same track" and "very young and full of vitality." He told the Global Times that Chinese and Russian filmmakers are exploring deeper cooperation, integrating the respective advantages of the two countries, and producing more excellent works.
According to Russia Today TV, Moscow International Film Week is part of the "Moscow-City of Film" project. Ivan Greenin, deputy general manager of Russia's "Ivy" online cinema, said: "The new exchange is very important for the development of the Russian film industry. It brings together cultural representatives from different countries, which will help us examine our projects and practices and learn from the experience of foreign counterparts."
Vadim told reporters that the Russian Central Cooperative Film Company is mainly responsible for the distribution of Russian and foreign films in Russia, and also shoots and produces films. At this Moscow International Film Week, they invited film partners from many countries to discuss and find areas for cooperation. "I have been trying to do something together in co-production or expanding distribution, but because of cultural differences, this requires patience and skills."
Vadim admitted that it is not easy to find projects and genres that can be used for international cooperation. "Comedy genres account for a large proportion of box office revenue in China. But comedy is very regional, as the saying goes, 'comedy does not go abroad'. Some other film genres have the potential to be successful."
One of the biggest successes of Russian films in the Chinese film market so far is a film about the Soviet basketball team: "Munich". The film is adapted from real events and tells the story of the Soviet team defeating the United States to win the men's basketball final at the 1972 Munich Olympics. This passionate sports film was released in China in June 2019, with a box office of more than 91 million yuan and a Douban score of 8.1. "That was a huge success." Vadim said that they plan to cooperate with China Film Group to release the new Russian film "The Wizard of Oz", and they hope that this work can be successful in the Chinese film market again under the premise of proper marketing.
Hollywood Shoots Itself in the Foot
As far as the Russian domestic film market is concerned, domestic films have gradually filled the gap left by Hollywood blockbusters since 2022. According to statistics from the Russian Ministry of Culture, the total box office of Russian films in 2023 exceeded 40 billion rubles (1 ruble is approximately 0.08 yuan), of which about 28 billion rubles came from domestic films.
"When Hollywood studios decided to leave Russia, they shot themselves in the foot." Vadim said that Hollywood blockbusters had captured the hearts of Russian audiences. Before that, Russian local films could only survive and develop under the shadow of Hollywood's monopoly. "We always have to check the release date and can only choose a specific date to release local new films to avoid the Marvel movies that are all around." For Russian filmmakers, Hollywood's withdrawal gave them the "best opportunity": "In the past period of time, Russian filmmakers have proved themselves with their professionalism, perseverance and ability. Our producers and directors have withstood the risks and are looking for new breakthroughs and the future."
Visiting Moscow's "Hengdian"
Building a "film and television city" is a manifestation of Russian filmmakers' pursuit of breakthroughs. The Moscow Film Park, an hour's drive from downtown Moscow, is one of the official venues for this year's Moscow International Film Week. On the 24th, a reporter from the Global Times visited the film and television park, which can be called the "Moscow Hengdian Film and Television City."
Guide Ivan told reporters that the film park is expected to be fully completed in 2030, covering an area of more than 1,000 hectares. Currently, about 150 hectares have been completed. After completion, the Moscow Film Park will become the largest film city in Europe, where different types of film scenes can be shot. The Global Times reporter saw at the scene that the film park has both landmark buildings such as the "Kremlin" that show Russian characteristics, and an American-style western town that has begun to take shape.
The park is currently under construction and is open to the public on a limited basis. For safety and construction reasons, the performances in the western town are only open to some tourists. The reporter saw at the scene that many parents accompanied their children to watch the performances based on the plots of American western movies with great interest.
In Vadim's view, Russian films of certain genres can "impress audiences all over the world, including Chinese audiences." Hollywood films once firmly occupied the top ten global box office, but now more and more works from Russia, China and other regions are recognized in terms of word of mouth and market. "Compared with Hollywood, we can tell stories better." ▲
