2014 Russian Film Festival in Canada: Toronto, November 5-9

Poster: The Russian Film Festival in Canada 
Toronto, November 5-9, 2014 
Credit: Toronto Russian Film Festival

Russian Film Festival in Canada
November 5-9, 2014
Venues: Isabel Bader Theatre, Theatre D Digital, TIFF Bell Lightbox

This year the Festival celebrates its 5th anniversary. And this time around the Russian partner of the Festival is a production company known as “Horosho Production.”

The program offers 8 full-length films, 4 shorts, two documentaries and 4 animated films – 18 screenings in all. In addition to the screenings, the program provides 7 informational programs: press conferences, round table discussions, master classes on directing, documentaries and casting. The organizers are planning a round-table discussion on co-production and pitching international projects.

Informational Programs Schedule
Russian Film Festival in Canada 
Toronto, November 5-9, 2014
Credit: Toronto Russian Film Festival

All films will be shown in Russian with English subtitles. All the films in the program have been made since 2013 and many of them have received awards at other film festivals.

There are no competitions at the Russian Film Festival but there is an Audience Award. After each screening there will be a Q&A with the creators of the film.

This year’s program has many references to classical and modern literature. The Festival opens with the North American premiere of the film Two Women (2014) directed by Vera Glagoleva, based on the play by Ivan Turgenev, “A Month in the Countryside.” The renowned British actor Ralph Fiennes plays one of the main parts in the film.

The film Mirrors (2013) directed by Marina Migunova is dedicated to the famous Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva.

The Brothers Ch (2014) directed by Michail Ugarov shows a day in the life of the great Russian writer Anton Chekhov and his brothers.

A special place in the program is occupied by a screen adaptation of the story White Yagel (2014) by Anna Nerkagi. This film, made by the director Vladimir Tumaev, tells us about the lives of peoples living in the Arctic regions, which is very unusual and full of mysteries. This film won the Audience Award at the 36th Moscow International Film Festival in 2014.

The film The Grandfather of My Dreams (2014) directed by Aleksandr Strizhenov belongs to the genre of grotesque family comedy and raises the eternal question about how much we depend on the material well-being which suddenly comes out of nowhere.

There Will Be No Winter (2014) is a film made in the genre of fantasy by director Ilya Demichev. It boasts an all-star cast: Ksenia Rappoport, Ingeborga Dapkunaite, Aleksandr Samoylenko and Sergey Koltakov.

The drama about a girl from an orphanage who grew up to become a model will close the Festival. Nine Days and One Morning (2014) was directed by Vera Storozheva, the famous film and television personality who was awarded at TEFI and at many other Russian and international festivals. Before the screening of this film the viewers are invited to an honorary session with the renowned Moldavian-Russian actress Svetlana Toma.

The festival will have a children’s day when little viewers will see the full-length animated fairy tale Ivan Tsarevitch and Grey Wolf-2 (2013) directed by Vladimir Toropchin and a full-length feature film The Mystery of Four Princesses (2014) by Oleg Shtrom.

The documentary program has two films in different genres. The film A Diary of a Drug Addict (2013) by Svetlana Stasenko is a social drama, and the film Voices. An Aria for the Fog (2014) by Elizaveta Shmakova is a portrait of a legendary opera diva. The documentary program will be concluded by a master-class on documentaries led by Svetlana Stasenko.

The short film program lists different films made by young directors. The film Unintentionally (2014) was made by Zhora Kryzhovnikov. His recent comedy Bitter! (2013) became one of the most successful films of the year. The short film Inspection (2014) made by Gala Suhanova tells a story of a dysfunctional family with children. The film Tonya is Crying on the Bridge of Lovers (2014) by Anton Kolomeets is about the generation of thirty-something year old and the passage of time; and in the film Shredder (2014) by Michael Dovzhenko we witness a highly unusual (but based on a true story) situation when the audience is asked to vote on killing a work of art.

Animated shorts from the Shar (The Ball) studio-school will be shown before full-length films.

Among the Russian delegation of cinematographers there are famous directors and actors such as Vera Glagoleva, Svetlana Toma, Aleksandr Strizhenov, Vera Storozheva, Marina Migunova and others; 14 people in total.

Program of Russian Film Festival in Canada

Toronto, November 5-9, 2014

Credit: Toronto Russian Film Festival

Festival Venues:
Isabel Bader Theatre, 93 Charles Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 2C7
(416) 585-4498
Theatre D Digital, 551 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON M4S 2M5
(416) 466-440
TIFF Bell Lightbox, 350 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5
416-599-TIFF(8433)

Tickets:
All tickets are free of charge. There is a $5 processing fee when you order tickets on the web site or pick them up at the entrance. It is advisable to register on the web site or by phone. The number of places is limited.

Information about program and tickets: www.torontorussianfilmfestival.ca

Or by phone: 647-466-3555

About the Russian Film Festival in Canada
The Russian Film Festival in Canada was founded by the TRFF (The Toronto Russian Film Festival) in 2009 which strives to popularize Russian cinema and increase the cooperation between the Canadian and Russian film industries. During the five years of its existence the Festival has acquired many admirers and viewers. Overall, about two hundred films of different genres and artistic directions have been shown during its annual screenings. The Festival has become a popular and anticipated event both in the Russian community as well as among English-speaking film-goers and film industry professionals.

In 2011 the TRFF started partnering up with Russian organizations. The Festival’s status then changed. Support from the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation now made it possible to organize the Festival at a very high level, to invite large delegations from Russia and to present the audience with the very latest films.

Contact:
Toronto Russian Film Festival
web: www.torontorussianfilmfestival.ca
email: info@torontorussianfilmfestival.ca
phone: 647-868-3436
 
You can also find information on the 5th Russian Film Festival in Canada Event page on Facebook
Hosted by Alena Joukova

YouTube: Toronto Russian Film Festival 2014 

Published by TRFF

Toronto Life: The List - Sophie Milman

Vintage Russian toy: A cute little Hedgehog, made in USSR
"My childhood toy — ...I call it a hedgehog,
but who knows what it actually is." Sophie Milman
Image credit: torontolife.com: The List Ten things
jazz singer Sophie Milman can’t live without

Almost everyone knows Sophie Milman now, so she doesn't need an introduction. She is an internationally acclaimed, Toronto-based, Juno Award winning jazz singer.

Do you know 10 things she can not live without? Here is Sophie’s list of favourite things published in the July 2012 Toronto Life magazine's issue.

torontolife.com: The List: 10 things Juno-winning jazz singer Sophie Milman can’t live without

Oh, and meet Sophie's Miniature Schnauzer dog, Will:

pets.sympatico.ca: Sophie Milman and Will
by Sarah Hosick

Listen to CBC Radio 2 recorded concert Sophie Milman live at the National Arts Centre Fourth Stage, Ottawa, October 29, 2011

Credit: @sophiemilman

Bard Concert: Veronika Dolina in Toronto

Concert of Veronika Dolina in Toronto
An Evening of Bard Songs Dolce - Doloroso
KSP Toronto, October 28, 2011
Image Credits: veronikadolina.ru + barnesandnoble.com
kspcanada.com + torontovka.com

...Концерт, хоть маленький, надо петь еженедельно. Тогда сохраняются какие-то мышцы.
15 октября я в Питере, у Финлядского. Привезу туда "Дудочку" и переводы, и двухтомник наш там еще не был.
27 ноября я в Доме музыки в Москве, это теперь, похоже, концерт года.
А вот между тем да этим – следы мои найдутся в Канаде и США...

Ваша Вероника.
Новости, концерты
09.10.2011

The Concert of Veronika Dolina in Toronto

When: Friday, October 28, 2011 at 7 PM

Where: York Woods Library Theatre
Location: 1785 Finch Ave. West, Toronto, ON M3N 1M6
Directions: TTC Finch Ave. West bus #36 from Finch subway station,
stops at Tobermory Dr.

Tickets and information:
(905) 821-9875
(416) 590-0256
ksp_toronto@hotmail.com

Ticket prices: $30 and $25

For more information please visit:
KSP's web site
and
Torontovka.com Afisha

links:
veronikadolina.ru: Новости, концерты

artjunction.blogspot.com: Concert of Veronika Dolina in Toronto

finzal.ru: Концертный зал у Финляндского: Поэт, автор песен Вероника Долина
с новой программой «Ночная дудочка»
15 Октября, Суббота 19-00
Поклонникам авторской песни Веронику Долину представлять не нужно – её песни известны многим...
Концертный зал у Финляндского

torontovka.com: Авторская Песня: Вероника Долина
28 октября 2011 – 19:00
York Woods Library
1785 Finch Ave. W , Toronto

kspcanada.com: Вечера авторской песни в Торонто - Вероника Долина с программой Дольче Долорозо

Концерт состоится в пятницу, 28 октября 2011 года, в 7 часов вечера
в зале York Woods Library Theatre по адресу: 1785 Finch Ave. West, Toronto

Информация о билетах:
(905) 821-9875 (416)590-0256
ksp_toronto@hotmail.com

Цена билетов $30 и $25

Более подробная информация на нашем сайте:
http://www.kspcanada.com
http://www.torontovka.com

brooklynpubliclibrary.org: Brooklyn Public Library: Culture & The Arts Events
Russian Literary Series: Veronika Dolina
Saturday, November 12, 4:00PM

russianny.com: Вероника Долина "Дольче-Долорозо"
Location: Russian Bookstore
No.21174-176 Fifth Ave /22/23/Streets, Manhattan
Sunday, November 13, 2011

arlindo-correia.com: Вероника Аркадьевна Долина: Veronika Arkadevna Dolina
In 1971 a young girl began writing her own songs. She was 15 years old. Her guitar was young and so were her poems. Three years later, her friends knew her as an 18-http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifyear-old poetess with a guitar, a miniature “bard”. On the way to a birthday party, she got off at a Moscow metro to write a song and give it as a present for her friend. She did not know that 25 years later she would be singing that song to thousands of people....

laminortv.ru: Азбука шансона. Персоны: Вероника Долина
биография, дискография, песни, фотографии, видео

wikipedia.org: Veronika Dolina
Veronika Dolina (Russian: Вероника Аркадьевна Долина) is a Soviet and Russian poet, bard, and songwriter.

snob.ru: Вероника Долина против "Культурной революции"
"Я давно хотела написать текст в поддержку авторской песни в сегодняшнем ее разобщенном состоянии. Текст в защиту... В защиту от дремучих стереотипов нового времени и повсеместной дикости сверстников, склонных отрицать все случившееся до 90 года. В итоге меня опередила мама, Вероника Долина, поэт, автор и исполнитель песен. "...
Ася Долина

Alexandrov Red Army Ensemble Performs at Toronto's Sony Centre, September 8 - for one night only!

Screenshot: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
The Russian Alexandrov Red Army Choir and Ensemble
Thursday, September 8, 2011 8:00PM
Credit: SonyCentre.ca

"The Russians are here! …. And performing LIVE outside the Sony Centre right now! Check out their performance onstage tomorrow night! http://bit.ly/fa8kgZ"
twitpic.com: Photos/Videos from SonyCentreTO

"The Russian Alexandrov Red Army Choir and Ensemble - the most renowned and prestigious military ensemble in the world on stage with 125 choristers, dancers and musicians in Québec City, Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Hamilton"
fimmq.com: Military Bands International Festival, Quebec City

"Russian folk tunes, church hymns, operatic arias and pop songs by the official army of Russia's armed forces boasts 125 musicians, singers and dancers with a full orchestra. 8 p.m., $68.61-$135.90; call 1-855-872-7669 to buy."
where.ca: THE RUSSIAN ALEXANDROV RED ARMY CHOIR AND ENSEMBLE

Québec City International Festival of Military Bands
Presents

The Russian Alexandrov Red Army Choir and Ensemble

Date: Thursday, September 8, 2011

Performance Time: 8:00pm

Venue: Sony Centre for the Performing Arts

Location: 1 Front Street East, Toronto, ON M5E 1B2

The Russian Alexandrov Red Army Choir and Ensemble is the official army choir of the Russian armed forces. They are widely regarded as the foremost artistic ensemble of its kind, twice earning the Order of the Red Banner and Red Star, the highest military decoration recognizing civilian service. Their Canadian tour will feature an astonishing 125 musicians and performers, consisting of soloists, a male choir, and dancers, together with a full orchestra performing with a mixed composition of Russian traditional and western instruments, including the balalaika, the domra, the bayan, the double bass, woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments.


links:
THE ALEXANDROV RED ARMY CHOIR to Serenade Torontonians With Impromptu Street Performance Outside the Sony Centre Today at 1:00PM!
marketwire.com: Press Release - Sept. 7, 2011

alexandrovensemble.com: Alexandrov Ensemble

facebook.com: Red Army Choir

bbc.co.uk: The Alexandrov Ensemble

rbth.ru: The best known military music ensemble leaves for India after its triumph in Canada

montrealgazette.com: Alexandrov Ensemble marches into PdA
By Victor Swoboda, Gazette Dance Critic

The Passionate Eye Show: How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin & How the Russians Rocked the Beatles

Screenshot: cbc.ca/documentaries: How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin
a documentary about the band's role in the fall of the U.S.S.R.
Watch the film online. 43:14 min
Note: this film is only available for 30 days after last broadcast.
Credit: cbc.ca

"It may sound like hippy hype, but as serious people insist that the Fab 4 played an important part in the collapse of Communism."
Leslie Woodhead - Documentary Filmmaker

How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin
Produced by Leslie Woodhead for the BBC

Untold story of how the Fab Four helped topple the Soviet Union by turning its youth against the state.

The Passionate Eye Show: Monday January 4, 2010 & Saturday January 9, 2010 at 10 pm ET/PT on CBC News Network

youtube.com: "How The Beatles Rocked the Kremlin"
explores how The Beatles helped bring down the Iron Curtain and change history forever.
ThirteenWNET
October 30, 2009

links:
beatles.ncf.ca: Ottawa Beatles Site
Click here to read a review of the new CD by Ottawa Beatles Site researcher John Whelan. For ordering information, please visit the InnerLights Explosion. "How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin" - did we like it?

beatles.ncf.ca: The Beatles, communism and the BBC: their Ottawa connection
"When British documentary filmmaker Leslie Woodhead started work on his latest BBC film, he didn't expect to come to Ottawa. After all, his film is about the unexpected way the Beatles helped bring down communism in Soviet Russia. But then he found out about Yury Pelyushonok on the Ottawa Beatles Site. The 50-year-old Russian-born Beatles superfan has written a book on the subject, Strings for a Beatle Bass: The Beatles Generation in the USSR, and has recorded an album of Beatles-inspired tracks about how pervasive (and subversive) the Fab Four's influence was on Russian youth."
THE OTTAWA CITIZEN
by Alana Toulin
August 2, 2007

beatles.ru: New film "How The Beatles Rocked the Kremlin" the true story behind the Beatles influence in the USSR

thirteen.org: Watch Video “How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin”
How the Beatles Rocked the Kremlin tells the extraordinary and untold story of how the Beatles punctured the Iron Curtain. In a personal journey through Russia by award-winning director Leslie Woodhead, he tells in first-person accounts the story of a secret revolution which contributed to the fall of communism.
November 10th, 2009

thirteen.org: Video Outtakes: How the Russians Rocked the Beatles
At a celebration of John Lennon’s birthday, Russian rock bands pay tribute by performing some of the Beatles’ classic hits.
October 6th, 2009

thirteen.org: The World's Most Influential Artist:
Over 1,800 nominations were submitted for artists that changed the world.
Below are the top five nominated artists. Which has had the greatest impact on history?
The Beatles -- 58%
Pete Seeger -- 16%
Bob Dylan -- 9%
Michael Jackson -- 8%
U2/Bono -- 7%

Free Screening of Documentary on History of Soviet / Russian Underground Music at Margret

Poster: Alexander Lipnitsky's film on the history of Soviet / Russian underground music
at Margret Bar /Lounge, November 12, 2009 @ 6 - 9 pm
Credit: www.kinoartfestival.com
www.nostalgiatv.ru

KinoArt Festival "For the Love of Russian Film, Music and Art"
Invites You to a FREE Screening of

Alexander Lipnitsky's Documentary Film
The History of Russian Rock
Q&A follows, director in attendance

Journalist and musician Alexander Lipnitsky will introduce his series of television programs about the main heroes of Russian rock music in the 80's:

• Aleksandr Bashlachev: Eternal Post / Eternal Fast (Vechny Post)
• Sergey Kuryokhin: Pop-Mechanics (Popularnaia Mehanika)
• Mikhail "Mike" Naumenko: Zoo (Zoopark)

When: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Time: 6 pm - 9 pm

Where: Margret bar / lounge for the Junction
2952 Dundas Street West, Toronto ON
(just East of Pacific Avenue)
There is ample street parking on Dundas St. West
Green P parking info

Via TTC:
from Dundas West Stn: Junction bus #40 at Pacific Ave.,
from Keele Stn: Keele bus #41 & Weston bus #89 at Dundas St. West
from High Park Stn: Lambton bus #30 at Dundas St. West

www.facebook.com/margretondundas
www.margretondundas.com
416 762 3373




View Larger Map

Hope to see you there!

kinoartfestival.com

links:
kinoartfestival.com: Alert – Screening of Documentary
Screening of Alexander Lipnitskiy’s documentary on the history of Soviet/Russian rock music will take place on Thursday, Nov.12th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at Margret Bar.
KinoArt Festival: Russian Rock Music Retrospectives with Alexander Lipnitsky

KinoArt Festival: Russian Rock Music Retrospectives with Alexander Lipnitsky

Second KinoArt Festival in Toronto, November 5-8, 2009

KinoArt Festival Alert – Screening of Documentary

Screening of Alexander Lipnitskiy’s documentary on the history of Soviet/Russian rock music will take place on Thursday, Nov.12th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at Margret Bar.

Alexander Lipnitsky @ the Toronto's Kino Art Festival
"For the Love of Russian Film, Music and Art"

[ V ] Friday, November 6, 4:30 - 6:00 pm

Panel discussion on the past, present, and future of Russian cinema

Munk Centre for International Studies
1 Devonshire Place, Toronto - 416-946-8900


[ V ] Saturday, November 7, 3:00 – 6:00 pm

Documentaries about AQUARIUM and ZVUKI MU

Club Samovar
51 Winchester St, Toronto - 416 925 4555


[ V ] Sunday, November 8, 8:30 – 9:30 pm

Documentary about legendary Russian rock group KINO
Kino had a major role in the film ASSA

Regent Theatre
551 Mt. Pleasant Road, Toronto 416 489 8484

Club Samovar
51 Winchester St, Toronto - 416 925 4555

Alexander Lipnitsky in His Own Words

From 1983 to 1990, I was a bass guitarist with the "Moo Sounds". Among the band’s biggest achievements was our album, produced by Bryan Imo and recorded at London’s OPAL RECORDS STUDIO. The album sold 3500 copies in Europe and USA in 1989. I also played at Serious Fun Festival. Together with a California band The Residents we performed at NY Lincoln Center. I participated in several documentary films screened in France, Italy, Germany, USA, and USSR.

During 1990-2009, I was a producer of the following bands: ATAS, BIOSINTEZ, SHATEN KINGS, and Upstairs.

As a journalist of SOVETSKAYA KULTURA (Soviet Culture), I covered USSR jazz festivals during the 70’s. In the 80’s, I published in the following underground magazines: SMORCHOK, SELF, SDVIG, etc. During 1994-2009, some of my articles were published in the Playboy and Rolling Stones.

My TV career was launched in 1991 with an hour film VICTOR TSOY: SUNNY DAYS.

I worked with Joanna Stingray on her TV project RED WAVE 21 and created a number of TV programs about famous rock musicians from Russia and the West, including stories about The Doors and Boris Grebenshchikov. The latter featured in a documentary titled “40:0 in Grebenshchikov’s Favor,” produced in 1993.

In 2006, my own TV show, Yellow Submarine, premiered on NOSTALGIA cable channel. The show is dedicated to the history of Russian rock music.

To the audience of Toronto KinoArtFestival I will offer a program consisting of my TV documentaries on the key figures of Russian rock-music, such as Alexandr Bashlachev, Sergei Kurekhin, Alexei Khvostenko, AUKTSYON band, Moo Sounds, KINO, AQUARIUM and ZOO, with introductory remarks in English.

My motto is to play a fair game and show the truth, without using special computer effects. For my projects, I use newsreels and find people who, in my opinion, are well worth mentioning as part of the Russian rock music history.

Google Books: Noise of the world: non-western musicians in their own words
"ALEXANDER (SASHA) LIPNITSKY | ZVUKI MU Zvuki Mu is one of the few rock bands qua rock band featured in this book, for similar reasons to Tribe After Tribe. ..."
by Hank Bordowitz - 2004 - Music - 381 pages

links:
Free Screening of Documentary on History of Soviet / Russian Underground Music at Margret

mp3.com: Zvuki Mu

wikipedia.org: Russian rock

wikipedia.org: Legends of Russian Rock

digitaljournal.com: KinoArt Russian Festival Opens in Toronto Thursday
"In recent years, he created a series of television programs on the main heroes of Russian rock in the 80's. Itself in many ways a symbol of the era, Lipnitsky is now considered one of the most competent of Russian rock historians."
by Lenny Stoute

kuryokhin.letov.ru: SERGEY KURYOKHIN: uncivil engineering
Sergey Kuryokhin and his popular mechanics give performance art soviet twist
by Michael R. Benson

80sretromusic.com: Zvuki Mu
"Led by singer, songwriter, poet, actor, and all-around artistic troublemaker Pyotr Mamonov, Zvuki Mu was one of the few bands of the so-called "Russian Revolution" in late-'80s pop music that merited more than a casual glance from Western audiences. (As opposed to bands like the remarkably dull hard rockers Gorky Park.) Formed in 1981 by Mamonov, who was already a published author in his early 30s, Zvuki Mu (literally "sounds of moo," an absurdist name that suits Mamonov's playful lyrical style) performed increasingly above-ground gigs in Russia and Eastern Europe throughout the '80s ..."
Curtis Zimmermann, All Music Guide

yakutiatoday.com: Stepanida Borisova: World-famous but still unknown
"I remember Sasha Lipnitsky gave a concert in Moscow suburb, on Nicolina Gora. One of the life's brightest musical impressions! And not only musical – do you remember Zhanna Aguzarova came into your dressing room and said: Stesha, you are a great singer; I can tell you that as another great singer".
Interviewed by Irina Efimova, Vecherka.Ykt.Ru
Translated by Alexandra Markova, a Yakutsk State University student

KinoArt Festival: Media Alert!! Conference November 4 at Samovar Room

Poster: Media Conference: KinoArt Festival:
For The Love of Russian Film, Music and Art
November 4, 2009 11:00 am at Samovar Room
Credit: www.kinoartfestival.com

KinoArt Festival – Media Alert!! – Conference November 4

***** MEDIA ALERT *****

October 30, 2009 – Toronto, ON

All media are invited

KinoArt Festival
For The Love of Russian Film, Music and Art

presents

Media Conference Introducing Russian Director Sergey Solovyev and Lead Actress Tatiana Drubich, and announcing the North American premiere of Anna Karenina and other film and documentary highlights.

WHO: Director Sergey Solovyev and Lead Actress Tatiana Drubich.

WHAT: Introducing them to Toronto Media and hearing stories on the making of the film. The Conference will also serve as a platform to announce other films, documentaries, animations and shorts showcased at the 2nd KinoArt Festival.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Informal greetings at 10:30, conference begins promptly at 11 a.m.

WHERE: Samovar Room – 51A Winchester Street, Toronto ON http://j.mp/3JUfKZ

WHY: This Media Conference is a rare and intimate opportunity to meet first-hand, face-to-face one of Russia’s most prolific director and writer Sergey Solovyev and one of Russia’s most distinguished and sought-after leading actress Tatiana Drubich.

www.kinoartfestival.com

All media are invited.
For more information, get GAT:
Vitaly Gurevich | 416.888.3744 | vitaly@gat.ca
Ingrid Hamilton | 416‐731‐3034 | ingrid@gat.ca

Press-Release: The Second KinoArt Festival in Toronto November 5 – 8 for The Love of Russian Film, Music and Art

Poster: Second Kino Art Festival Toronto
November 5 - 8, 2009

The Fabulous Tales from Robert Lepage: The Nightingale

Screenshot: The Nightingale and Other Short Fables
"This has to be the most enchanting work for the musical stage to hit Toronto in years." (Toronto Star)
NEW Mon., Nov. 2, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. performance just added. Order today!
Credit: Canadian Opera Company

The Nightingale & Other Short Fables by Igor Stravinsky
On Stage Oct. 17 to Nov. 5, 2009
NEW Mon., Nov. 2, 2009 at 7:30 p.m
At the Four Seasons Centre, 145 Queen St. W., Toronto.

Director: Robert Lepage
Conductor: Jonathan Darlington
Nightingale: Olga Peretyatko
Fisherman: Lothar Odinius
Emperor: Ilya Bannik
Death: Maria Radner
The world premiere of a new co-production with Festival d'Aix-en-Provence and Opéra national de Lyon, in collaboration with Ex Machina.

Notes & Impressions:

Igor Stravinsky was known for his innovative use of rhythm and harmony, but not for melody. But melody is "Our All" for Russian musical forms. Most of the Russian folk songs are very melodic, which influences on many Russian composers. No need to say here … Tchaikovsky.

The end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twenties century brought up a new composer’s breed like Scriabin, Stravinsky and others, who broke the rules. But what Stravinsky did was based on the different kind of Russian folklore and folk music. That was kind a Bakhtin's carnival, for the inner use only with violent rhythms and rough wordings. So, when Stravinsky was hanging out with Harlem’s musicians, he was pretty much inoculated with our own folk-jazz syncopes that might gave a life to his avant-garde music.

This is a preface to the today’s performance of The Nightingale and Other Short Fables by Igor Stravinsky at the Four Seasons Centre. And the feast we had today couldn’t be more synthetic than the performance: opera, ballet, puppet theatre, water show, theatre of shadows, circus, and, of course, the orchestra!

I might forgot a thing or two, or might missed something from the Ring #5 but, nevertheless, it was a feast for my eyes, my ears, and my Russian soul.

2009 © Natalia Silver

links:
thestar.com: Review: Nightingale and Other Short Fables are awash in magic
By John Terauds
bbc.co.uk: Discovering Music: WORK IN FOCUS: Petrushka: Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
The Arts Junction:
Three Robbin’s Ballet Pieces: Brilliant Canadian Tribute
National Ballet of Canada: The Life of a Ballet Dancer
National Ballet of Canada: Class on Stage and We Mean It

The Second KinoArt Festival in Toronto November 5 – 8 for The Love of Russian Film, Music and Art

Screenshot: KinoArt Festival in Toronto, November 5 – 8, 2009
Credit: kinoartfestival.com

KinoArt Festival
For The Love of Russian Film, Music and Art

Russian Directors Restake Claim to Their Classic Literature

with North American Premieres of

Anna Karenina and Taras Bulba

at the 2nd KinoArt Festival

running November 5 – 8 in Toronto

www.kinoartfestival.com
www.gat.ca

For Immediate Release

(October 30, 2009 – Toronto, ON) – Western filmmakers have had their turns. Now new, groundbreaking, culturally-authentic versions of Anna Karenina and Taras Bulba will be on offer at the second KinoArt Festival.

The Russian Film Festival, which runs in Toronto from Thursday, November 5th, until Sunday, November 8th, 2009, will also offer Russophiles a long-awaited sequel to Assa, the film that galvanized the underground Russian rock scene back in 1987. Also featured is the North American premiere of Metro, a stunning and unique documentary on the monumental Moscow subway, the first film of its kind to cover this subject. As well, there’s the 2008 Russian box-office hit We are From the Future, Andrei Maliukov’s time-traveling adventure that takes place in St. Petersburg during the fierce defense of the city in 1942.

After a successful launch in 2007, KinoArt Festival is back and this year brings with it the massive premiere of Anna Karenina along with legendary Russian director Sergey Solovyev and actress Tatyana Drubich. Solovyev’s version of the Leo Tolstoy’s epic love story will turn heads and provoke cinematic debate.

"We are very excited to bring Toronto our second KinoArt Festival," says Alla-Ani Poliakova, Founder and Executive Director of the Festival. "Our goal has always been to chronicle the evolution of Russian films, past and present through our film event, and this year we are really thrilled to be offering the most impressive feature films, documentaries, and shorts, some never before seen, and bring that to North America, specifically Toronto."

Other highlights at KinoArt include director Kirill Serebrennikov’s Yuriev Den, about a famous opera singer, which won the Grand Prix at Warsaw International Film Festival in 2008.

Making its debut in Toronto is Taras Bulba, directed by renowned director Vladimir Bortko it is based on the book by Nikolai Gogol (called "one of the 10 greatest books of all time" by Ernest Hemingway). Famously embraced by Hollywood as a starring vehicle for the late Yul Brynner, it’s an enduringly controversial story about Ukraine's Cossack warriors and their campaign to defend their lands from the advancing Polish armies.

From the notorious Russian director Alexei Balabanov, comes Morphine, his interpretation of Mikhail Bulgakov’s A Country Doctor's Notebook. The film’s screenplay was written by another famous Russian director, Sergei Bodrov, Jr. This joint effort recounts the events of 1917, the turbulent year of the Russian Revolution.

Shultes takes the audience on an existential voyage to Moscow, into the heart of Russia’s capital. The film is shown through the eyes of an ordinary Muscovite, who lives in an ordinary apartment building somewhere on the outskirts of the city, alone. His only connection to reality: his notepad.

The Festival closes with a searing documentary, Process directed by Alexander Zeldovich and devoted to the anniversary of the 1952 execution of the Jewish anti-fascist committee of the former U.S.S.R. Process, co-presented by the Jewish Film Festival, will be followed by a Q&A.

The same evening, visiting director Sergey Solovyev (Anna Karenina) will screen Assa – a Russian cult favourite from the late 80’s. His original film gave voice to the underground rock music scene, with the lead played by the charismatic rocker Victor Tsoy (the film’s soundtrack features a number of songs performed by a variety of Russian rock singers). Following the screening of Assa, after a wait of 22 years, will be the North American premiere of the sequel Assa 2. Solovyev’s sequel portrays the new generation in contemporary Russia, within a complex structure that references Solovyev’s own Anna Karenina.

Of note, Thomas Lahusen, Professor of Eurasian Cultural History at the University of Toronto and documentary filmmaker, together with Sergei Kapterev, senior researcher at the Institute of Film Art in Moscow, will participate in a panel on the present, past, and future of Russian cinema on November 6. Some of the questions raised will be the politics of documentary film, the problem of film exhibition and preservation, and the relevance of the Soviet cinematic experience to contemporary Russian and world cinema.

Following the panel discussion, a stunning debut will occur - the world premiere of Their Kingdom, a 1928 documentary from Soviet Georgia presented by Sergei Kapterev, with a post-screening Q&A. The film, by Mikhail Kalatozishvili, had been considered lost until its first two reels were discovered at Russia’s State Film Archive. Sergei Kapterev holds a Doctorate in Cinema Studies from New York University and is the author of the book Post-Stalinist Cinema and the Russian Intelligentsia, 1953-1960.

Also, Lahusen will present his own two short films; The Province of Lost Film and The Photographer at KinoArt on November 7.


Tickets can be purchased at the Venues night of screening
And www.torontovka.com (in Russian)

Gala Opening: $20 Adults, $12 Students and Seniors - includes Gala Post Reception
Main Program: $12 Adults, $10 Students and Seniors

Isabel Bader Theatre
93 Charles Street West
Tel: 416.585.4523

Regent Theatre
551 Mt. Pleasant Road
416.489.8484

Slavic Department at University of Toronto
121 St. Joseph Street
Tel: 416.926.2075

The following list outlines KinoArt Festival 2009’s sponsorship line-up:
Ministry of Tourism; Canada Heritage; U of T Slavic Department; United Stars; Brunella; Steam Whistle; Finn-Tastic; Ethnic Channel Group; Next TV; Tokmakov TV; Torontovka.com; West East Newspaper; Express Gazeta; Mix TV; Nasha Gazeta

-30-

For more info, to request screeners, to set up interviews, get GAT:
Ingrid Hamilton ingrid@gat.ca h/o: 416-482-6142 c: 416-731-3034
Vitaly Gurevich vitaly@gat.ca c: 416-888-3744

AcademiaRossica
3rd Russian Film Festival, 30 October — 8 November 2009
Apollo Cinema. London, Tel. 0871 220 6000
More information on http://academia-rossica.org

links:
russianfilmweeknyc.com: 9th Annual Russian Film Week NYC November 2009
kinoglaz.fr: 17th Honfleur Russian Film Festival (France) - 25 - 29 November 2009
wikipedia.org: Cinema of Russia
ng.ru: "Анна Каренина" без Анны Карениной
Екатерина Барабаш, Санкт-Петербург-Москва
kp.ru: Татьяна ДРУБИЧ: Сегодня самоубийство Анны Карениной сочли бы глупостью
Анастасия ПЛЕШАКОВА
eg.ru: Промо-ролик нового фильма Сергея Соловьёва «Анна Каренина»

Prokofiev: The Unfinished Diary: Canadian Debut on Bravo! Tonight

Screenshot: Prokofiev: The Unfinished Diary: Canadian Premiere
Credit: The Serge Prokofiev Foundation website

PROKOFIEV:
The Unfinished Diary
The latest music documentary by award-winning filmmaker Yosif Feyginberg
Channel Bravo!
Canadian Premiere
Sunday, October 11 at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT
Repeats: October 16 at 8 am and 7 pm ET

Credit: The Serge Prokofiev Foundation website

Play Web Exclusives from bravo.ca: Prokofiev: The Unfinished Diary (Trailer)

PROKOFIEV: THE UNFINISHED DIARY – Bravo! Premiere
Sunday, October 11 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
Produced by Up Front Entertainment in association with Bravo!, PROKOFIEV: THE UNFINISHED DIARY is the latest feature documentary by award-winning filmmaker Yosif Feyginberg. Based on one of the greatest musical geniuses of the 20th Century Sergei Prokofiev, the film investigates the mystery of Prokofiev's life and the magnificence of his art. Reconstructing the enigma of the conductor’s life through his diaries (which were finally released on the 50th anniversary of his death in 2003), and the prism of some of his most extraordinary musical creations, Prokofiev's enigmatic story is told. Most recently, PROKOFIEV: THE UNFINISHED DIARY garnered an award at the 46th Golden Prague International Television Festival.
Source: bravo.ca

All that is known for certain about Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953) is that he was a musical genius, and one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. The rest-from his music to his private life-remains shrouded in mystery. With the discovery of his personal diaries, part the Prokofiev enigma can finally come to light. The Unfinished Diary examines the complex interaction between the works of this period, considered among the most important of his career, and the bewildering choices Prokofiev made at this time.
bravo.ca: television

links:
artfifa.com: Prokofiev: the unfinished diary
fipa.tm.fr: Prokofiev: le journal inachevé
Canada, France/2008/Betacam/colour, b&w/52 min/english
prokofiev.org: The Prokofiev Page
Bard Music Festival 2008: Prokofiev and His World
thestar.com: Sound Mind: A Classical Music Blog: Two snippets of Prokofiev's own mastery of the keyboard
By John Terauds
firstthings.com: Why Dictators Fear Artists
By Santiago Ramos

tiff09: My Russian Film List + FREE programming!

Screenshot: tiff. toronto international film festival: september 10 - 19, 2009
Credit: tiff.net

Being a bit under time pressure at this busiest season of the year: jaf, tuf, ctf, vff, bcf, bmf, it is difficult to find time for the tiff.

Here is My Film List of the movies, projections, and events (compare with last year):

Antichrist
Lars von Trier
Denmark/Germany/France/Sweden/Italy/Poland
[dedicated to Andrei Tarkovsky]

My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done
Werner Herzog
USA/Germany

Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
Werner Herzog
USA

The Sunshine Boy (Sólskinsdrengurinn)
Fridrik Thor Fridriksson
Iceland

The Good Heart
Dagur Kári
Iceland/France/Denmark/Germany

Kelin
Ermek Tursunov
Kazakhstan
[No dialogue]

Melody for a Street Organ (Melodiya Dlya Sharmanki)
Kira Muratova
Ukraine

Help Gone Mad (Sumashedshaya Pomosh)
Boris Khlebnikov
Russia

Hipsters (Stilyagi)
Valery Todorovsky
Russia
+ In celebration of Hipsters, the Festival presents free swing lessons and a live performance by Aelita with the Galaxy All-Star Orchestra on Tuesday, September 15, in Yonge-Dundas Square
7:00 p.m. - Hipsters Spotlight: swing-dance lessons followed by a concert at 9 p.m. featuring Aelita with the Galaxy All-Star Orchestra in honour of the Russian musical screening as part of the Festival’s Vanguard programme


Wavelengths 5: Une Catastrophe
Une Catastrophe
Jean-Luc Godard
Switzerland/Italy

Genius Within: The Inner Life of Glenn Gould
Michèle Hozer, Peter Raymont
Canada

Creation
Jon Amiel
United Kingdom

Kamui (Kamui Gaiden)
Yoichi Sai
Japan

Moloch Tropical
Raoul Peck
France/Haiti

L' Affaire Farewell (Farewell)
Christian Carion
France

Irène
Alain Cavalier
France

Frederick Wiseman Presents La Danse – Le Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris (La Danse – The Paris Opera Ballet)
Frederick Wiseman
France/USA

Mao's Last Dancer
Bruce Beresford
Australia
+ Wednesday, Sept. 16 9:00PM - The National Ballet of Canada’s preview presentation of the latest production from Aszure Barton in celebration of the Festival’s screening of Mao’s Last Dancer

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky
Jan Kounen
France


+ Future Projections is a far-reaching programme of installations, interactive film projects and other film-related art work presented outside of the cinema space and throughout the city of Toronto.

+ Free outdoor programming on the Young-Dundas Square (YDS)

+ Friday, Sept. 18 6:00PM - TIFF Live In Concert Film Series: world premiere of American Masters featuring Joan Baez: How Sweet the Sound, followed by an appearance and short concert by Joan Baez herself

Plus, check out for Cameron Bailey's daily highlights about Festival films you may not have heard about.

links:
girish's TIFF 2009 Films
TIFF08: My Russian Film List

Russian Branch of Antonin Artaud's Theatre in Toronto: "Voluspa" & "A Hunt For a Sweet Little Deer", August 29, September 6-7

Screenshot: Shows in Toronto: Teatralnaya Laboratoriya of Vadim Maksimov
Credit: teatr-labor.ru

Dear friends,

Now we have here in Toronto for a very short time one of the most unorthodox Russian theatre directors, Vadim Maksimov, the professor of Theatre Arts at St. Petersburg State Theatre Academy (Russia), the Chair of "Western Theatre" department of this Academy, scientist concentrating on Antonin Artaud's theatre and a practicing theatre director who has his own style within the "Artaud theatre" concept.
In 1984 for such practicing he established an experimental "Theatre Laboratory" (Teatral’naiia Laboratoriia), which productions prepare and run constantly.

This week Maksimov’s "Laboratory" gives just only one performance of his "Voluspa" production (aka "The Prophecy of Violva") in Toronto, which completely demonstrates the mentioned above style of Maksimov; a piece taken from the early medieval German epos (The Elder Edda). In September he takes this production to the Mont-Laurier International Theatre Festival in Quebec.
BELOW SEE THE DETAILS ON THIS PRODUCTION IN TORONTO.

There’s also a certain experiment that Vadim Maksimov and I conduct and for which he came to Toronto. Specifically, Maksimov will apply his methods of directing to stage my play "Melody Ranch Escape or A Hunt For A Sweet Little Deer", which I wrote in such a way that its non-traditional context is hidden, so that on the surface it looks very traditional. Maksimov noticed this and in his staging he wants to achieve similar effect: on the surface - relatively traditional methods, while in essence he will merge it with the "Artaud theatre" concept.
BELOW SEE THE DETAILS ON THIS PRODUCTION IN TORONTO.

Both productions are in Russian, but for such kind of theatre this seems not relevant, plus, we will provide a very helpful synopsis for each performance (for “Voluspa” the description of characters in program completely reveals the story; for “A Hunt…” we give a synopsis for each scene).

We will be happy if you come to just enjoy and/or to judge this work. We will appreciate any criticism.

HERE ARE THE PRODUCTION RUN DETAILS:

"Voluspa": tickets $20, at the door
August 29, 2009, at 8 PM
Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto, St. George Campus
2 Sussex Ave, Toronto (St. George Street and Sussex Avenue; St. George subway, exit to St. George)

"A Hunt For A Sweet Little Deer": tickets $20, at the door
September 6, 2009, at 8 PM
Central Auditorium of the North York Central Public Library
5120 Yonge Street, North York

September 7, 2009, at 8 PM
George Ignatieff Theatre, University of Toronto, St. George Campus
15 Devonshire Place, Toronto (Devonshire Place is a street that starts from Bloor; St. George subway, exit to Bedford Avenue)

See you there.

Yours,

Vladimir Milman

link:
The Arts Junction: Russian-Canadian Collaborative Theatre Project in Toronto

Russian-Canadian Collaborative Theatre Project in Toronto

Poster: Voluspa, Innis Town Hall Theatre, August 29, 2009
Teatralnaya Laboratoriya of Vadim Maksimov
Credit: teatr-labor.ru

The Russian House Community Center is organizing a collaborative theatre project including Canadian and Russian actors in order to promote cultural and artistic exchange and share of innovation skills of an experimental theatre art.

The Russian experimental theatre from St. Petersburg Theatre Lab of Vadim Maksimov (Teatralnaya Laboratoriya Vadima Maksimova) would arrive to Canada to product and perform together with Canadian actors a play written by Canadian play writer, as well as to perform their ongoing plays.

The first show "Voluspa" after Nordic epic will be performed on the stage of Innis Town Hall Theatre and and the second play will be "A Hunt For a Sweet Little Dear" - the show which will be produced in cooperation of two Russian and two Canadian actors. This play of Vladimir Milman will be directed by Vadim Maksimov.

Teatralnaya Laboratoria of Vadim Maksimov
St. Petersburg, Russia presents:

"Völuspá"
(mono-vesion)
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Time: 8:00 pm
Innis Town Hall Theatre (University of Toronto)
2 Sussex Ave., Toronto, ON
Tickets: $20.00 at the door
Author: Vadim Maksimov
Director: Vadim Maksimov
Voluspa: Oxana Svoyskaya

"A Hunt For a Sweet Little Dear"
Sunday, September 6
Time: 8:00 pm
North York Central Library
5120 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Tickets: $20.00 at the door

Monday, September 7
Time: 8:00 pm
George Ignatieff Theatre
Trinity College, Larkin Building (NW corner)
15 Devonshire Place, Toronto, ON
Tickets: $20.00 at the door

Author: Vladimir Milman
Director: Vadim Maksimov

More information on these productions can be found
on the web site: www.teatr-labor.ru
or the blog: http://community.livejournal.com/teatr_labor/

Poster: A Hunt For a Sweet Little Dear, North York Central Library, September 6, 2009
George Ignatieff Theatre, September 7, 2009
Teatralnaya Laboratoriya of Vadim Maksimov & Cultural Diversity Theatre "Phoenix"
Credit: teatr-labor.ru

About the Theatre
Teatralnaya Laboratoriya (The Theatre Lab) of Vadim Maksimov is the only theatre in Russia that works with using of Antonin Artaud’s system.

The theatre exists already 25 years. During this time Laboratoriya has produced more than 20 performances based on world classics as well as on modern European drama.

Director and founder of Laboratoriya is Professor of St. Petersburg State Theatre Arts Academy Vadim Maksimov, expert in French theater.

The main principle of Laboratoriya’s performances is a rhythmic and psychoenergetic act of organization, an integration of voice, gesture and word into a unified impulse, which has a profound affect on the audience’s perceptions.

links:
The Arts Junction: Russian Branch of Antonin Artaud's Theatre in Toronto: "Voluspa" & "A Hunt For a Sweet Little Deer", August 29, September 6-7
by Vladimir Milman
russianhouse.ca: Russian-Canadian Theatre project in August 2009
infobar.ba: Völuspa @ Teatarfest 2009 - Sloga , Sarajevo
doryoku.org: topic - www.teatr.

Slavonic Literature and Culture Day Celebration in Toronto

Photo: Svetlana Roufanova, Founder & Chair of the Russian Library
& Community Information Centre, Toronto
Celebration the Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture; May 20, 2009
2009 @ Anya

The year 863 A.D. was a time that Russian language alphabet was created. The Slavic Princes asked the Emperor Michael III of the Byzantine Empire to send them wise teachers to create a written language for the Slavic people. Brothers Cyril and Methodius were the two chosen Christian missionaries who created the Cyrillic alphabet that has become the Russian alphabet.

To commemorate the achievement of the Saint Brothers the day of "Slavonic Literature and Culture Day" was established in 1991. In Canada it was celebrated for the 4th time on May 20th 2009 at the Bathurst Clark Resource Library in Vaughan, Ontario. The founder and organizer of the celebration Svetlana Roufanova displayed the rich book collection of some of the finest examples in Russian Literature that the Cyrillic alphabet has to offer. The day was filled with lively performances, poetry readings, traditional arts and craft exhibit and the presence of key speakers and honorary guests.

The presentation began with an opening speech by the Archpriest Oleg Kirilov, Rector of the Christ the Saviour Russian Orthodox Cathedral, who explained in detail the story and significance of Cyril and Methodius’ enormous contribution to the development of Russian written language and literacy. Present at the celebration were the Consul General of Russian Federation in Toronto, Andrey Veklenko who awarded the Knight Order to Professor Alexey Stakhov for his life achievement in science and art, having dedicated his life to research of the Golden Section.

The evening was marked by performances from the children’s folk ensemble "Ladushki" as well as poetry recitation of popular Russian poems by young Russian Canadian students. There were also professional poets residing in Toronto who read their pieces such as Ilya Lipes and Marina Shubina. It was an extremely important celebration to cherish and preserve Russian cultural traditions. The Slavonic Literature and Culture Day has become a custom in Canada, time-honoured by the Russian public.

2009 @ Anya

Collage: Celebration of the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture
Toronto, May 20, 2009
Credit: NTV Canada

links:
How to Spell 'Hockey' in Russian: Celebration Slavic Literature and Culture Day in Toronto
toronto.mid.ru: ПРЕСС-РЕЛИЗ: О ПРАЗДНОВАНИИ ДНЯ СЛАВЯНСКОЙ ПИСЬМЕННОСТИ И КУЛЬТУРЫ
vaughanpl.info: Press-Release: Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture

How to Spell 'Hockey' in Russian: Celebration Slavic Literature and Culture Day in Toronto

Screenshot: Russian Library: May 20, 2009 The Day of Slavic Written Language
and Culture Celebration + Photo: Slavic Day Celebration 2007
Credit: russianlibrary.ca

Celebration of the Day of Slavic Literature and Culture

When: Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: Bathurst Clark Resource Library
Location: 900 Clark Avenue West, Vaughan, Ontario L4J 8C1
Cost: Free

Vaughan Public Libraries and the Russian Library and Community Information Centre are partnering once again to celebrate the Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. This special event provides the community with the opportunity to come together in celebration of our diversity and individual heritages.

We would like to extend a special invitation to you to attend the Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Bathurst Clark Resource Library, 900 Clark Avenue West. The program for this special evening will include Russian artwork and literature exhibitions, a reading by local poets, music and Russian folklore performances.

We are looking forward to seeing you at our event.

Russian Library and Community Information Centre

links:
vaughanpl.info: Day of Slavic Written Language and Culture
russia-ic.com: Days of Slavic Culture to be Held in Moscow
mosinform.ru: Дни славянской письменности и культуры
wikipedia.org: Saints Cyril and Methodius

Video: Alphabet of Russian Art

New York: Guggenheim Museum: RUSSIA!
Unprecedented Exposition of Russian Art
Credits: Music: Boris Bazourov;
Visuals: New York Guggenheim Museum
itroom video: 2005