Filmmakers behind "Karina" create a film that provokes a sense of melancholy.
In the heart of Yakutsk, Russia, the oldest cinema, the "Central", played host to the premiere of an immersive and captivating film titled "Karina". This moving production, a blend of genres, is based on real events that took place a decade ago in the Olekminsky Uluus region.
Directed by Karina Sturm, a multimedia journalist from Germany, "Karina" tells the story of a four-year-old girl named Karina Chikitova who mysteriously disappears from her home in a small village on the edge of a vast forest. The film is a poignant portrayal of a search and rescue operation, featuring forest fires in the republic and interspersed with actual footage made during the search operations in the Olekminsky district in 2014.
The film's director of photography is Sasha Romm, and the editor is Kamila Safina. The screenplay, penned by Maria Nakhodkina, keeps the viewer engaged and attentive throughout. The production designer/costume designer is Ekaterina Shaposhnikova, and the film's composer is Vladislav Petrov, whose score adds depth to the emotional narrative.
The cast includes Sophia Pribylykh, Vyacheslav Lavernov, Maria Kychkina, Petr Basnaev, Sandaraia Nogovitsyna, Pavel Kolesov, and others, delivering compelling performances that bring the story to life.
The search for Karina involves hundreds of kilometers of taiga, volunteers, and rescuers. During the search, Karina is exposed to impassable thickets, blood-sucking insects, and dangerous predators. Even the most experienced rescuers start to lose hope of finding Karina alive. Despite finding traces and evidence, the rescuers are not able to locate Karina for twelve days.
The film's sound producer is Sergei Ivanov, and the makeup artist is Tuivara Egorova. The film is produced by Marianna Siyegan, with executive producers Mark Kotokonov and Sardana Syrómyatnikova. Members of the creative team, including the director, producer, operators, actors, and Karina Chikitova herself, attended the premiere.
"Karina" is set to be an enjoyable viewing experience for families, friends, couples, and individuals. It is currently running in Yakutsk, Russia, offering a gripping tale that is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
