SAVING PUSHKIN

Russia | 160 mins | [12] – 2021

Mikhailovskoe. The place where the great Russian poet Pushkin crafted his works. The fascist forces occupied Mikhailovskoye at the very beginning of the war. Idyllic landscapes do not stop them from carrying out public executions of civilians in the occupied territory … Each of the local residents “follows his own path”. Some join the partisans, some collaborate with the occupiers… There are also

those who hope to wait out without choosing a side. Among them – Sergey, a rustic man of remarkable skills. A professor of literature and specialist in Pushkin’s works, frau Maria Shiller,

comes to Mikhailovskoe from Germany. After becoming the head of the museum, she starts to lead tours for Wehrmacht soldiers and local peasants. Contrary to the opinion of her superiors, Frau tries to prove that it is necessary to conduct educational work in the occupied territory, and it won’t hurt Wermacht soldiers to know that Russian “subhumans” have an outstanding poet who belongs to the

whole world. Her actions rapidly cause disapproval of the German Command. The front line is getting closer every day, and soon an order comes from Berlin to transfer all historical values out of Mikhailovskoe. Neither the partisans, nor Sergey, who’s fallen in an unacceptable, disastrous relationship with Frau Shiller, can allow this to happen. Sergey decides to save country’s precious heritage.

Pushkin’s legacy should stay in Russia. Even at the cost of one’s life …

Directed by Igor Ugolnikov
Written by Evgeniy Ayzikovich, Natalya Nazarova, Igor Ugolnikov
Produced by Eduard Pichugin, Pavel Smirnov, Igor Ugolnikov
With Sergey Bezrukov, Fedor Bondarchuk, Michael Epp

SCREENING

Friday 24 November – 15 h 00
Cinema – Piccadilly Vue: 19 Lower, Regent St., London SW1Y 4LR

MEET THE DIRECTOR

Igor Ugolnikov was born on 15 December 1962 in Moscow, RSFSR, USSR [now Russia]. He is an actor and producer, known for Batalon (2015), Fortress of War (2010) and Casus belli (2003).