Taya Radchenko as Hera in Empire V
Given the political climate this year, one does not expect to encounter Russian films at festivals, but Empire V is something a little different. A vampire-themed satire banned in its homeland, it’s a film which the government in Moscow would rather you didn’t see – and the Fantasia International Film Festival has given it a platform.
Even if it weren’t for that, the chances are that this film would attract a lot of attention. It’s based on the book by Viktor Pelevin, which has been a hit beyond Russian borders. When I met up with director Victor Ginzburg, who was born in Russia but now lives in Venice Beach in California, he told me how Pelevin urged him to take on the project and how, despite attempts at sabotage, he hopes that audiences will get the chance to appreciate the...
Given the political climate this year, one does not expect to encounter Russian films at festivals, but Empire V is something a little different. A vampire-themed satire banned in its homeland, it’s a film which the government in Moscow would rather you didn’t see – and the Fantasia International Film Festival has given it a platform.
Even if it weren’t for that, the chances are that this film would attract a lot of attention. It’s based on the book by Viktor Pelevin, which has been a hit beyond Russian borders. When I met up with director Victor Ginzburg, who was born in Russia but now lives in Venice Beach in California, he told me how Pelevin urged him to take on the project and how, despite attempts at sabotage, he hopes that audiences will get the chance to appreciate the...
- 8/1/2023
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Rama (Pavel Tabakov) is a vampire.
In writer/director Victor Ginzburg’s adaptation of Russian novelist Viktor Pelevin’s Empire V, however, the term takes on a whole new meaning.
Mixing the action of Nightwatch with the philosophical underpinnings of The Matrix sequels, Empire V is an unconventional entry in the vampire subgenre. Working as both an introduction to a sprawling new mythology, as well as a satirical critique of (Russian) capitalism, the film has already been banned in its home country where it was due to premiere last year.
The film’s politics aren’t exclusive to Russia, though co-star Oxxxymiron (aka Miron Fedorov) and lead actor Vladimir Epifantsev have both been critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the former very publicly denouncing the invasion of Ukraine. For the most part, however, Empire V isn’t only commenting on Russia; its political commentary is broadly critiquing how the...
In writer/director Victor Ginzburg’s adaptation of Russian novelist Viktor Pelevin’s Empire V, however, the term takes on a whole new meaning.
Mixing the action of Nightwatch with the philosophical underpinnings of The Matrix sequels, Empire V is an unconventional entry in the vampire subgenre. Working as both an introduction to a sprawling new mythology, as well as a satirical critique of (Russian) capitalism, the film has already been banned in its home country where it was due to premiere last year.
The film’s politics aren’t exclusive to Russia, though co-star Oxxxymiron (aka Miron Fedorov) and lead actor Vladimir Epifantsev have both been critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin, with the former very publicly denouncing the invasion of Ukraine. For the most part, however, Empire V isn’t only commenting on Russia; its political commentary is broadly critiquing how the...
- 7/31/2023
- by Joe Lipsett
- bloody-disgusting.com
One consequence of the Russian invasion of Ukraine has been the exclusion of Russian films from most film festivals around the world, so you might reasonably wonder what this one is doing at the 2023 Fantasia International Film Festival. The answer is simple: this is a film which the Russian government doesn’t want anybody to see. It’s outright banned on its home turf, and one of its stars, who spoke out against the war, has been declared a foreign agent. Adapted from Viktor Pelevin’s novel, it is fantastical in its themes, but – though you may miss some of its more specific jibes – you don’t need to be Russian yourself to appreciate it as satire. The book was published in 2006 but events since then have only served to increase its relevance.
Part of the trick with satire is reaching the audience most in need of a shift in.
Part of the trick with satire is reaching the audience most in need of a shift in.
- 7/29/2023
- by Jennie Kermode
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
At its annual presentation of Russian projects looking for co-production partners earlier this week, Roskino provided a platform for producers to present new projects in the Cannes market.
Among the highest-profile films introduced was political-thriller Beirut from Stalingrad director Fedor Bondarchuk, written by Bagirov Eduard. This tells the story of Kgb agent Lantsov, who arrives in Beirut after two Ussr embassy employees have been kidnapped.
Also presented was Adolescence ID, from Olga Zhirova and Julia Vorobieva of Milky Cinema Production. The five-part portmanteau film, to be made across Russia, Germany, Georgia, Malta and France, will explore the nlives of teenagers entering adulthood.
Sreda Production’s Alexander Tsekalo and Anna Gudkova introduced The Philosophical Steamer, directed by Alexander Kott and written by Oleg Malovichko. Set in Russia 1922, the film is about a Cheka officer pursuing a group of exiled intellectuals during the Lenin era.
The upcoming biopic Lenin was discussed by producers Yelena Yatsura and Yuri Krestinskiy from TriKita...
Among the highest-profile films introduced was political-thriller Beirut from Stalingrad director Fedor Bondarchuk, written by Bagirov Eduard. This tells the story of Kgb agent Lantsov, who arrives in Beirut after two Ussr embassy employees have been kidnapped.
Also presented was Adolescence ID, from Olga Zhirova and Julia Vorobieva of Milky Cinema Production. The five-part portmanteau film, to be made across Russia, Germany, Georgia, Malta and France, will explore the nlives of teenagers entering adulthood.
Sreda Production’s Alexander Tsekalo and Anna Gudkova introduced The Philosophical Steamer, directed by Alexander Kott and written by Oleg Malovichko. Set in Russia 1922, the film is about a Cheka officer pursuing a group of exiled intellectuals during the Lenin era.
The upcoming biopic Lenin was discussed by producers Yelena Yatsura and Yuri Krestinskiy from TriKita...
- 5/17/2015
- by geoffrey@macnab.demon.co.uk (Geoffrey Macnab)
- ScreenDaily
It was announced today that Grindstone Entertainment has acquired North American rights in all media to the gritty thriller Once Upon A Time In Brooklyn (formally titled Goat) and will be released by Lionsgate Home Entertainment. In a separate deal, International rights have been acquired by Los Angeles-basedsales company, Recreation, helmed by founder and president Ariel Veneziano.
Produced by William DeMeo, Paul Borghese and newcomer Robyn K Bennett, written by DeMeo and Borghese who also directs the movie, Once Upon A Time In Brooklyn stars Golden Globe nominated and Emmy Award winning actor Armand Assante (American Gangster, HBO’s Gotti), Ice-t (New Jack City), Vincent Pastore (Goodfellas), Ja Rule (The Fast And The Furious), William DeMeo (The Sopranos), Cathy Moriaty (Raging Bull) and Paul Borghese (Transamerica).
The film tells the story of Bobby Baldano, who after serving several prison sentences, is finally out. Although desperate to honor his family who...
Produced by William DeMeo, Paul Borghese and newcomer Robyn K Bennett, written by DeMeo and Borghese who also directs the movie, Once Upon A Time In Brooklyn stars Golden Globe nominated and Emmy Award winning actor Armand Assante (American Gangster, HBO’s Gotti), Ice-t (New Jack City), Vincent Pastore (Goodfellas), Ja Rule (The Fast And The Furious), William DeMeo (The Sopranos), Cathy Moriaty (Raging Bull) and Paul Borghese (Transamerica).
The film tells the story of Bobby Baldano, who after serving several prison sentences, is finally out. Although desperate to honor his family who...
- 2/6/2013
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
First, indieWIRE's Eric Kohn hosted a "Meet the New Directors" panel at the Film Society of Lincoln Center earlier this week and you can watch it here. It runs 63'12" and the guests are Jason Cortlund and Julia Halperin (Now, Forager); Emad Burnat and Guy Davidi (5 Broken Cameras); Adam Leon (Gimme the Loot); Kleber Mendonça Filho (Neighboring Sounds); Terence Nance (An Oversimplification of Her Beauty); Joann Sfar (The Rabbi's Cat); Joachim Trier (Oslo, August 31st); and Clarissa Knoll (Street Vendor Cinema).
And the Fslc has posted separate Q&A sessions with Leon (Gimme), Pablo Giorgelli (Las Acacias) and Gareth Evans (The Raid: Redemption), all on one page.
Meantime, we've entered the home stretch. New Directors/New Films rolls on through the weekend and closes on Sunday night with a surprise — whatever it may be, it'll probably rank a roundup of its own. That aside, here's where we wrap it up.
And the Fslc has posted separate Q&A sessions with Leon (Gimme), Pablo Giorgelli (Las Acacias) and Gareth Evans (The Raid: Redemption), all on one page.
Meantime, we've entered the home stretch. New Directors/New Films rolls on through the weekend and closes on Sunday night with a surprise — whatever it may be, it'll probably rank a roundup of its own. That aside, here's where we wrap it up.
- 3/29/2012
- MUBI
Russian vampires made a splash with fans when Timur Bekmambetov's visionary Night/Day Watch films rolled out of the land of vodka and really thick accents, and they're about to take center stage once again in a big screen adaptation of Viktor Pelevin's Empire, V.
According to Variety Cult Russian novelist Viktor Pelevin's vision of modern Russia as a vampire nation is to be turned into a feature film by New York- and Moscow-based writer-director-producer Victor Ginzburg, who has acquired the rights.
Ginzburg, who released his first feature last month, an adaptation of Pelevin's Generation P - a bizarre journey through the drugs and power-driven world of advertising in Russia in the early 1990s - says Empire, V is a loose sequel that takes off in even more weird directions.
"This film is going to redefine the vampire genre - which Pelevin has already done in the book,...
According to Variety Cult Russian novelist Viktor Pelevin's vision of modern Russia as a vampire nation is to be turned into a feature film by New York- and Moscow-based writer-director-producer Victor Ginzburg, who has acquired the rights.
Ginzburg, who released his first feature last month, an adaptation of Pelevin's Generation P - a bizarre journey through the drugs and power-driven world of advertising in Russia in the early 1990s - says Empire, V is a loose sequel that takes off in even more weird directions.
"This film is going to redefine the vampire genre - which Pelevin has already done in the book,...
- 5/14/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Director Victor Ginzburg is poised to bring Viktor Pelevin's Russian vampire novel "Empire V" to the screen. The book is actually a sequel to Pelevin's "Generation P," which Ginzburg has already adapted. The follow-up veers into vampire territory, following a young bloodsucker in Moscow as he maneuvers through love, money and obsession with beauty. Is he an vampire version of Patrick Bateman? Ginzburg says the story "redefines the genre." He hopes to start the film in early 2012; his take on Generation P is currently played at Cannes.
- 5/14/2011
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Moscow -- The 6th CentEast Market Warsaw kicks off on Oct. 15 within the framework of the Warsaw International Film Festival, giving producers from Central and Eastern Europe an opportunity to present completed projects as well as works in progress.
"The main goal of the event is to promote and facilitate the access to the market for films from Eastern [and Central] Europe," Magdalena Banasik, head of CentEast, told The Hollywood Reporter.
For three days, producers will be able to present their films to sales agents, distributors, festival programmers and TV content buyers.
Seven projects have been selected to be presented at this year's CentEast. Among them are "Aglaja," a co-production between Hungary, Romania and Poland directed by Kristina Deak, "One Way Ticket" by Czech director Tomas Rehorek, the Russian movie "Generation P" based on a national bestseller by Viktor Pelevin and directed by Viktor Ginzburg, and an untitled project by Polish director Wojciech Smarzowski.
"The main goal of the event is to promote and facilitate the access to the market for films from Eastern [and Central] Europe," Magdalena Banasik, head of CentEast, told The Hollywood Reporter.
For three days, producers will be able to present their films to sales agents, distributors, festival programmers and TV content buyers.
Seven projects have been selected to be presented at this year's CentEast. Among them are "Aglaja," a co-production between Hungary, Romania and Poland directed by Kristina Deak, "One Way Ticket" by Czech director Tomas Rehorek, the Russian movie "Generation P" based on a national bestseller by Viktor Pelevin and directed by Viktor Ginzburg, and an untitled project by Polish director Wojciech Smarzowski.
- 10/14/2010
- by By Vladimir Kozlov
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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