Films Russia - Russian and American Joint Ventures Flourish

In these days of political and commercial competition for world dominance, a renewed struggle has emerged between Russia and the United States. However, whilst the two superpowers are busy grappling for position on matters of energy, national defense, sovereignty, and concepts of democracy, there are private initiatives underway to bring these two great nations together. This is through the medium of creativity and specifically, joint efforts in the creation of films about common issues to the people of both countries.

Recently completed, and now internationally released, the film entitled Captivity (directed by Roland Joffe, A RAMCO production, Serge Konov “The Konov Principle”) was just such a venture. Filmed entirely in Moscow at Mosfilm, the work was a great collaboration between the two film interests of Hollywood and Moscow, and indeed, between Russians and Americans.

A new film under production from the same group, entitled Finding t.A.T.u. is a work that tackles issues facing the youth in both countries, and indeed, in most countries around the world. The problems surrounding coming of age and the peer pressure concerning sex, drugs and individual identity are exhaustively examined in this film.

Finding t.A.T.u. is the story of a lonely American girl who finds herself in Moscow, and befriends another lonely girl on the internet. They share a common bond through the music and lyrics of singing duo t.A.T.u (a gay or bisexual singing duo), and meet in person to attend a t.A.T.u concert.

However, there are also many other factors involved, which are all brilliantly presented by director Joffe; especially focusing on the choices young people have to make today, with both the obvious, and the unexpected consequences ensuing. One of the pivotal characters in the film is played by Igor Desyatnikov. This character acts as a metaphor for those decisions that must be made in loyalty-logic conflicts whether it’s exercising one’s right to free choice or simply following a pre-destined fate.

These factors are crucial to American and Russian youth, and that the film covers them in a collaborative view is impressive. “Cooperation and not conflict between these two great countries is the real issue here”, said Konov in one discussion. He continued, “Through artistic expression, the souls of all people really speak”. Putting his philosophy to practical application, RAMCO has several more large-scale projects in the planning stage.

Finding t.A.T.u. is scheduled to be released sometime in 2008, and further projects will have been commenced prior to its release date. One of the other producers, an American named Stephan Nemeth, was quoted as saying, “This film clearly demonstrates the cooperative potential between Russians and Americans. Our similarities are exploited for enhanced benefit, and our differences viewed in a new light, bringing added tolerance and understanding. It’s a total win win situation”

Indeed, if there were more projects like Finding t.A.T.u. where Russians and Americans are working side by side in a creative effort, one can quickly understand the potential of drawing people together from these two great nations.