Russia’s economy is booming, helped partly by its $1bn a day in energy exports.
This economic success is propelling a new revival in Russian film making, subsidised by the government or private investors, with demand supplied by young working Russians with money to spend.
The International Herald Tribune explains that the tastes of the domestic audience are quite different to those of the international markets. Whilst its art house films are more popular on the international stage, Russians at home like patriotic films covering topics like Soviet-era wars or historical events.
I’ve seen one, maybe two Russian films and I have to say, they were pretty depressing. Still, it won’t stop me from watching more. The best way to get inside the head of another culture is by watching their cinema.
I agree. Films are a really good way to get an understanding of a different culture.
I guess the ones you saw were the art house kind then? The Russian books I have read have a certain bleakness to them as well. It seems from the article that is not what Russians enjoy these days though!
I agree. I honestly don’t mind a little bleak in my movies…lol.