East of the West Competition 2021 / Nuuccha / Russia 2021
An impoverished Yakut couple have just buried their newborn child and they are now preparing for the harsh winter ahead. When the local governor instructs them to take in a Russian political prisoner, they have no choice but to comply. The foreigner’s presence, however, encroaches upon their lives more than they had anticipated… This evocative drama is a noteworthy example of Yakut cinema, while it also contributes significantly to the debate on the impact of colonisation and the forced assimilation of nations within tsarist Russia.
A poor Yakut couple have just buried their newborn child and they are now preparing for the harsh winter ahead. When the local governor, installed by the tsarist authorities, instructs them to take in a Russian political prisoner, they have no choice but to comply. The foreigner’s presence, however, encroaches upon their lives more than they had anticipated… Set in the late 19th century, Nuuccha (Yakut for “Russian”) was inspired by the writings of Polish author Wacław Sieroszewski, who became acquainted with Yakut culture and traditions during his years in Siberian exile. This evocative drama by debuting director Vladimir Munkuev is a striking example of lesser known Yakut cinema, while it also contributes significantly to the debate on the impact of colonisation and forced assimilation within tsarist Russia.
Lenka Tyrpáková
107 min / Color, DCP
World premiere
Director Vladimir Munkuev
/ Screenplay Vladimir Munkujev podle krátkého příběhu / based on the short story by Wacław Sieroszewski
/ Dir. of Photography Denis Klebleev
/ Editor Ivan Lebedev
/ Art Director Roman Arutyunyan
/ Producer Evgeniy Nikishov, Alexandr Plotnikov, Albert Ryabyshev, Valeriy Fedorovich, Boris Khlebnikov
/ Production Look Film
/ Coproduction Place of Power
/ Cast Pavel Kolesov, Sergei Gilev, Irina Mikhaylova
/ Contact Look Film
Vladimir Munkuev (1987, Yakutsk, USSR). Filmography: Dude (2017, short), Joy (2018, short), Nuuccha (2021).
Look Film
Pravda str. 24-2, 127137, Moscow
Russia
Phone: +7 495 792 9621
E-mail: [email protected]
Albert Ryabyshev
Producer
First-hand brews throughout the year.
Be among the first to learn about upcoming events and other news. We only send the newsletter when we have something to say.
