Loading...This gripping and intelligent drama by Yury Bykov takes a look at morality and corruption in contemporary Russian society, and at what happens to those people who won’t play games and take a stand against the status quo.
In a small Russian town, Dima (Artem Bystrov), a young plumber and student, is an honest man. When he realises that a crowded apartment building is close to collapse, he decides to tell the authorities. But the trouble is, honest men are few and far between in this town, and when Dima’s quest leads him to the mayor’s door, things really begin to get difficult.
Bystov’s excellent performance, along with Bykov’s close direction and attention to detail, make for powerful scenes that stick with you long after the film ends. At the 2014 Locarno Film Festival, the film was awarded three prizes, including the award for Best Actor.
We’re really pleased to have director Yury Bykov join us after the screening to discuss his film.
New East Cinema is a film series presented in collaboration with Calvert 22 Foundation, curated by The New Social: a cultural collective bringing contemporary cinema from eastern Europe and beyond to London.