Review of the Russian "Koroche" Film Festival's Program: Young Directors to Watch

Contents:

• Whose names are worth remembering
• What kind of festival is this?
• What is memorable about the festivals of past years?

The 13th short and debut film festival "Koroche" concluded in Kaliningrad on August 24, 2025. The festival featured new works by film school and university graduates, as well as the first feature films by young filmmakers. Film critic Timur Aliyev shares his opinion on five emerging directors who distinguished themselves at this event and also talks about the history of the festival. "Koroche" continues to draw attention to talented authors and their fresh ideas, contributing to the development of Russian cinema.

Whose names are worth remembering

The film "Happy When You're Not" is a full-length film that explores the complex aspects of human relationships and emotional attachments. The plot centers on characters whose lives are intertwined under difficult circumstances, leading to profound reflections on love, loss, and the search for happiness.

The director masterfully conveys an atmosphere in which viewers can feel the internal conflicts of the characters. Each character is revealed in their individuality, which allows the viewer to empathize with their experiences. The film touches on topics relevant to many, such as overcoming disappointments and the pursuit of harmony in personal life.

From a cinematic perspective, "Happy When You're Not" is distinguished by high-quality cinematography and a well-developed script. Viewers can expect not only an emotional plot but also a visual pleasure.

This film is an excellent choice for those who appreciate deep dramas and want to see how difficult life situations can lead to unexpected revelations. "Happy When You're Not" is not just a love story, but also a profound exploration of the human soul and its aspirations.

Awards: Grand Prize in the Feature Debut Competition and a special prize from the "Critics' and Journalists' Choice Awards." These achievements underscore the high level of the work and its significance in the film industry. Critical acclaim attests to the quality and originality of the creative approach, making this project particularly valuable to audiences and professionals alike.

Igor Marchenko spent nearly ten years preparing for his feature-length debut. The Moscow Film School graduate's first short films appeared in the mid-2010s. The films "Garage," starring Olga Dibtseva, and "We Mean," starring Dmitry Kulichkov and Olga Stashkevich, explore the complex relationships of opposites. In his feature film, Happy When You're Not, Marchenko delves deeper into this theme, offering viewers a unique perspective on relationship dynamics.

This is a dramedy exploring toxic relationships. The main characters—a journalist (Alexandra Bortich) and a carefree melancholic (Gosha Tokayev)—plunge into a dance of codependency that combines both frightening and comic authenticity. Witty dialogue and several powerful climactic moments make the film lively, sincere, and memorable. In the recent history of Russian cinema, it's difficult to find a work that so honestly and profoundly reflects the unpleasant aspects of millennial relationships as director Igor Marchenko. The film becomes an important social commentary, raising relevant issues and sparking discussion among viewers.

The film "Adult Son" is a full-length film that explores the complex relationships between parents and children. The plot focuses on the protagonist's coming-of-age, who faces the challenges typical of adolescence. The film raises important themes such as finding one's place in life, overcoming family conflicts, and realizing responsibility.

The storyline revolves around the strained relationship between a son and his parents, reflecting universal issues familiar to many. "Adult Son" offers viewers a deep dive into the characters' inner lives, making them reflect on how our childhood experiences shape our adult lives.

This film will appeal to a wide audience, especially those who appreciate dramatic stories based on real-life situations. The film not only entertains but also makes you think about the importance of communication and understanding within the family.

Daria Mikhailova received a special prize for outstanding acting. This award highlights her talent and professionalism in the field of acting, making her performances unforgettable and impressive. Awards of this kind not only enhance an actor's status but also serve as important recognition of their contribution to the arts of theater and cinema.

Before making his feature film debut, Ivan Shkundov studied at the All-Russian Academy of Foreign Trade of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. He also completed his studies at the Higher Courses for Screenwriters and Directors (VKSR). His graduation film, the short film "Open Door," was presented at the "Koroche" festival. Ivan also participated in the editing of Nikolai Larionov's drama "Eternal Winter," which was selected for the 2024 "Mayak" festival.

"Adult Son" is a film created under the artistic direction of Sergei Ursulyak. The film centers on Maria (Daria Mikhailova), who moves in with her lover, Mikhail (Vladislav Vetrov). However, she faces challenges with Mikhail's boorish son (Kuzma Kotrelev). A family drama, the film harks back to the traditions of 1970s Soviet cinema, particularly works like Vitaly Melnikov's "The Elder Son." "Adult Son" illustrates the narrowness and complexity of family relationships, a theme familiar to many across generations. The film touches on important topics of mutual understanding, family conflicts, and finding one's place in the circle of loved ones.

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Mirror Festival: The Interaction of Gods, Dictators, and Poets

The Mirror Festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of art and literature, where the destinies of gods, dictators, and poets intertwine. This event becomes a platform for the discussion of deep philosophical themes and cultural phenomena, reflecting the diversity of human experience. Festival participants will not only be able to enjoy performances by renowned authors but also take part in master classes, lectures, and discussions that will help them understand the influence of power and creativity on society. "Mirror" becomes a mirror in which everyone can see a reflection of their soul and see the world through the lens of artistic expression. The festival attracts both professionals and art enthusiasts, creating a space for the exchange of ideas and inspiration.

"You're Driving Me Crazy" is a feature-length film that immerses viewers in a captivating world of emotion and intrigue. The plot revolves around the main characters, who face challenging life situations that force them to rethink their relationships and goals.

The film's plot is permeated with tension and unexpected twists, making it engaging for a wide audience. The direction and script create a unique atmosphere that holds viewers' attention from beginning to end.

The acting deserves special mention: the lead actors masterfully convey complex emotions and create believable characters. Viewers will see how love, betrayal, and the struggle for happiness intertwine in the characters' lives.

"You Drive Me Crazy" is not just a film, but a profound story that makes you reflect on important aspects of life, how quickly everything can change, and how true feelings can overcome any obstacle. This film is sure to attract fans of dramas and psychological stories.

Daria Lebedeva dedicated approximately 14 years of her career to creating her feature-length debut. She began her career at the Industry Film School, where she studied the fundamentals of cinematography and made short films that were successfully screened at various Russian and international film festivals. After completing her studies, Daria founded the educational academy "In the First Credits," where she taught aspiring screenwriters the basics of screenwriting and held pitches for original ideas, promoting the development of creative potential in the industry.

"Crazy" is a sci-fi romantic comedy about a man and a woman who accidentally find themselves in parallel realities. The main characters, SMS girl Alisa (played by Mila Ershova) and bartender Vanya (Yuri Nasonov), intended to rent the same apartment in St. Petersburg, but ended up in different worlds. The film successfully combines the charm of the city with a deep exploration of emotions and a discussion of personal growth after a breakup. The chemistry between the leads is captivating and makes the plot especially engaging.

"Censorocracy" is a short film that touches on the relevant topic of information control and censorship in modern society. This work explores the mechanisms of manipulation of public opinion and the influence of the media on people's consciousness. "Censorocracy" raises important questions about freedom of speech and media responsibility, demonstrating how censorship can distort reality and limit access to truthful information. The film challenges viewers to consider how they perceive information and the role they play in this process. This work is important for understanding contemporary challenges to freedom of speech and human rights, making it relevant to a wide audience.

Awards: Jury Diploma and Special Prize from Iskusstvo Kino magazine. These achievements highlight the high level of professionalism and recognition in the film industry, testifying to the quality of the work and the significance of the project.

A graduate of Alexei Uchitel and Alexei Geleyn's workshop at VGIK, Miklushov is one of the most unique young filmmakers of our time. In 2024, his feature-length debut, "Moss," was presented in competition at the New Movement festival. This experimental film, shot for just 40,000 rubles, impressed both the jury, who won the Best Director award, and the audience, who left the theater during the screening. Miklushov continues to amaze with his creative approach and bold cinematic solutions.

"Censorocracy" is a powerful video essay that explores how censorship penetrates Everyday life. It manifests itself as a blurring of objects, creating an atmosphere of silence, as the film lacks dialogue. Censorship removes and blurs anything that might be considered inappropriate: cigarettes, nudity, silhouettes in windows, and much more. This Kafkaesque reflection raises important questions about freedom of expression and is particularly relevant for the Russian film industry, where censorship continues to exert a significant influence on creativity.

The film "Mom, Dad, Me" is a short film that touches on important themes of family relationships and childhood experiences. The plot centers on how children perceive the lives of their parents and how their relationships shape the emotional fabric of the family. The film raises questions about understanding and support, the importance of listening and hearing each other. This short but powerful story makes viewers reflect on the role of family in everyone's life. This film will be of interest to anyone who appreciates deep and touching stories that can evoke empathy and reflection on their own family ties.

Marina is a graduate of the Moscow Art Theatre School, where she studied in Dmitry Brusnikin's workshop. Since the early 2010s, she has been actively appearing in films and television series, primarily in supporting and supporting roles. In 2024, Marina made her directorial debut with the short film "Anton Is Looking," which was presented at the "Koroche" competition. In 2023, she was awarded a special jury prize as a screenwriter for the short film "Friend, Episode 7."

Marina's second short film, "Mom, Dad, Me," is a touching exploration of how a young child experiences their parents' divorce. Made for just 18,000 rubles, it tells the story of a mother attending her ex-husband's birthday party with her daughter. The unexpected surprise comes when the girl's father's new girlfriend shows up. In this emotional situation, the adults begin to act like children, and the six-year-old girl ends up being the only rational person at the party. The film deeply touches on the themes of family relationships and childhood experiences, which makes it relevant and meaningful for viewers.

Reading plays a key role in personal development and broadening horizons. It helps improve critical thinking skills, increase vocabulary, and develop imagination. In addition, reading helps reduce stress and improve concentration. It's important to choose a variety of genres and authors to enrich your knowledge and worldview. Don't forget the health benefits of reading, as it can be an excellent alternative for rest and relaxation. Devote time to books, and you'll notice the positive impact on your life. Films about love are essential, as this topic is always relevant and evokes strong emotions. Love is a powerful source of inspiration that permeates all aspects of life. Films about love offer a deeper understanding of human feelings, relationships, and aspirations. They reflect both the joys and difficulties faced by lovers, showing that love can be both a source of happiness and a cause of suffering. Filming such films requires not only a creative approach but also the ability to convey sincerity and authenticity of emotions. This is why films about love are able to touch the deepest chords of viewers, making them not only entertaining but also educational. In the modern film industry, it is important to create works that will resonate with the audience, and films about love, of course, occupy a key place in this process.

What is this festival?

The Koroche Festival was launched in 2013 thanks to the initiative of Stanislav Voskresensky, who at that time held the position of Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of the Russian Federation in the Northwestern Federal District. The support of renowned producers such as Sergey Selyanov, Valery Todorovsky, and Igor Tolstunov has created a unique platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and receive valuable feedback from film professionals. The festival has become a significant event in the world of Russian cinema, fostering the development of new talent and the creation of high-quality content. Until 2021, the general producer of the "Koroche" festival was Svetlana Dryga, a model and actress, and the wife of Stanislav Voskresensky. The festival's program director was Artyom Ryzhkov, art director of the Zarya Cinema, which became the main venue for the screenings. Since 2021, the festival has been organized by Red Carpet Studio, headed by Anton Kalinkin. This team is also responsible for other renowned festivals in Russia, such as "Pilot," "Zerkalo," "Realist," and "Chitka." The Koroche Festival continues to grow and attract attention to short films, creating a unique platform for emerging talent in the industry.

Every year, more than 2,000 films are submitted to the short film competition. Since 2023, the festival has expanded its horizons by adding a full-length debut competition. Film scholar Sitora Aliyeva, who previously worked on the Kinotavr program, has become the program director of the new section. Now, young directors have the opportunity to present both short and full-length films at the Koroche festival, opening up new prospects for aspiring talent in the film industry.

Highlights of past festivals

Over the 13 years of its existence, the Koroche festival has established itself as an important platform for Russian filmmakers. It became a starting point for many talented authors, including laureates of various years: Roman Artemyev with the film "Savior", Gala Sukhanova with her work "Check", Alexey Nuzhny, creator of "Rooster", Ruslan Bratov, author of the film "Lalai-Balalai", Maria Shulgina with "Fire" and Nikita Vlasov with the film "Blank". The festival continues to draw attention to new names in the film industry and support the development of Russian cinema.

After the premiere of short films, many authors received invitations from producers to enter the world of full-length cinema. A few years later, director Roman Artemyev released the comedy "Run", which starred Mikhail Porechenkov and Nikita Kologriv. Nikita Vlasov shifted his focus to series, creating the projects "There's Something Missing in Borenka" for the Start platform, "Combination" for Wink, and "Lada Gold" for Ivi. Alexey Nuzhny became a renowned director of comedies starring Russian film stars, including "Loud Connection," "I'm Losing Weight," and "A Couple from the Future." These examples vividly demonstrate how short films can become a launchpad for a successful career in the film industry.

The short film "The Last Film About Love," directed by Sergei Malkin, was presented at the 2024 festival. This project attracted the attention of producers from Bosfor Pictures, which had previously won an award at the Koroche festival with the dramedy "Take It and Remember," created by a team from Tatarstan. As a result of his collaboration with Bosfor Pictures, Malkin, a graduate of the Moscow Film School, directed the feature film "Yura Was Here," starring Konstantin Khabensky. The Koroche Festival and similar events truly serve as a career boost for aspiring filmmakers, opening up new opportunities and prospects in the film industry.

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