Directed by Alexei Popogrebsky
Immersing us in the frozen wilds of the Russian Arctic, writer/director Alexei Popogrebsky makes an impressive addition to the canon of films about man’s extraordinary ability to cope with harsh nature and extreme isolation. Young Pavel (Grigory Dobrygin) arrives at a remote research station for a summer of adventure under the tutelage of the wise and crusty Sergei (Sergei Puskepalis), whose multi-year tour of duty is coming to an end. Misplaced confidence and youthful immaturity lead to a string of potentially deadly deceptions.
The deliberate pace of life in the Arctic, combined with the disorienting round-the-clock sunlight, sets the stage for a thriller infused with equal parts psychological trauma and physical endurance. Winner of three Silver Bears (for both lead actors and cinematography) at the 2010 Berlin Film Festival.
2010. Russia. 124 min.
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ABOUT THE DIRECTOR:
Alexei Popogrebsky was born in 1972 in Moscow, into the family of screenwriter Pyotr Popogrebsky. He graduated from Moscow State University with a degree in psychology. In 1994 Popogrebsky began to collaborate with his friend, Boris Khlebnikov, a film theory student at VGIK. After a few short films, they finalized their debut feature, Koktebel (2003), produced by Roman Borisevich. The film screened at many festivals, including Berlinale Forum, and received a number of awards. Popogrebsky and Khlebnikov then went on to work independently, collaborating with producer Roman Borisevich under the Koktebel Film Company marquee.
