| Krzysztof Zanussi will make Nikita Mikhalkov a major diplomat Famous Polish director Krzysztof Zanussi announced the start date of filming of his new film during a press conference at the Montevideo Film Festival. Nikita Mikhalkov will take part in it as an actor and producer. According to Zanussi, he intends to begin filming this November in Montevideo.
The collaboration of Krzysztof Zanussi with Mikhalkov in the work on the film Persona non grata became known some time ago. In an interview with the Russian press, Zanussi said that the film would be a joint Polish-Russian-Italian production, with Mikhalkov’s studio “Tri Te” participating in it on the Russian side. Zanussi defined the content of the film as follows: “This is a modern story around diplomats. The story is about the relationships between Western Europe, Poles, Russians, about mutual suspicions, distrust and, at the same time, admiration that still exists. I hope this film is also about secrets and love. The main character loves his late wife, and this love is gradually transferred to a young Russian girl.”
Nikita Mikhalkov should play the role of the Russian representative in one of the Latin American countries. The film also stars famous Polish actors Zbigniew Zapasiewicz and Daniel Olbrychski. Part of the filming will take place in Russia; the script, as usual, is written by Zanussi himself.
At the Tri Te studio itself, the Vremya Novostei newspaper was told only that the project was really being planned and that Tri Te would provide the Moscow part of the filming. The remaining details are promised no earlier than summer. The Federal Agency for Culture and Cinematography reported that they recently received a request from the Three Te studio for government support for the project. While we are talking about an amount from 1 to 3 million dollars, the script has been submitted to experts for consideration.
The Polish director (by the way, in addition to his direct professional duties, is also a cultural adviser to the Pope) is a very frequent guest in Russia. He comes here either to participate in festivals or to conduct seminars and master classes. In 2000, his film “Life as a Fatal Sexually Transmitted Disease” received the Grand Prix at the XXII Moscow International Film Festival.
So Zanussi has every reason to count on the most favorable attitude of Russian officials. Especially considering the breakthrough abilities of the leading actor in his new film. Gleb MYSHKIN |
|
