PRESS RELEASE
Opening Night
7th RUSSIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN LONDON
7-17 November 2013, Empire Leicester Square
The Russian Film Festival returns to London on the 7th of November for its seventh year! This year the Festival celebrates the most illustrious new Russian films, documentaries and animation at the iconic Empire Cinema in Leicester Square.
The ten day long festival will bring together the prize-winning directors, producers, actors and actresses to present their works and the great, vibrant cinematic tradition of Russian cinema.
The film selection this year brings to front the incredible gift of Russian film makers to transform reality into intense dramas, sparkling comedies and powerful documentaries. And – of course – the Russian animation, still considered one of the best in the world!
Bite The Dust
The Festival opens with a UK premiere of an apocalyptic black comedy Bite The Dust (Otdat kontsy) by Taisia Igumentseva. The film is an artistic universe of fantasy, Russian still life and an exploration of humanity’s apocalyptic obsessions. Bite the Dust was nominated for the main prize of Kinotavr 2013, the main Russian annual film festival.
Taisia Igumentseva is one of the brightest stars in contemporary Russian cinema, yet a typical representative of the youngest generation of Russian film-makers. A graduate of internationally acclaimed film director Alexey Uchitel (The Stroll, The Edge, Break Loose), Taisia won the Cannes Festival Cinéfondation 2011 First Prize and received a grant for her first full-length feature – Bite the Dust.
Bite The Dust synopsis
A village so small, that all the residents not only know each other, but can easily recognize the neighbour's cow face on TV. The tight-knit community is shaken by the news that an astronomical phenomenon is about to wipe out 90% of humanity. The villagers have 24 hours to come to terms with the apocalypse and they choose to do it in a characteristically Russian elaborate manner. Tables are put together, pies are baked, and residents gather strength and courage to make the most important decisions of their lives... This apocalyptic comedy celebrates the joys and sadness of everyday moments of our lives.
Trailer: http://academia-rossica.org/en/film/rff7-opening-night
Full programme will be announced on 5 October 2013.
All films at the Festival are shown in Russian with English subtitles.
Films will be presented by their world-renowned directors, actors, and producers.
More information for editors:
Tickets for the star-studded Opening Night are available now from http://academia-rossica.org/en/film/rff7-opening-night
Festival organiser
Academia Rossica is a cultural organisation set up in London in 2000 to promote and strengthen cultural and intellectual ties between Russia and the English-speaking world. Academia Rossica pioneers intercultural projects, presenting the best of contemporary Russian culture outside Russia. www.academia-rossica.org
Official Sponsors
Russian Ministry of Culture, Russian Embassy in the United Kingdom
Official Partners
Empire Cinema Leicester Square, May Fair Hotel, RusskyLondon.com
Contact:
Katerina Zherebtsova +44 (0)207 287 2614 films@academia-rossica.org
Josh Heath +44 (0)207 287 5712 press@academia-rossica.org