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Six movies set for spring Russian film series

Jan. 14, 2005

KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's Russian film series opens its spring schedule with the wildly inventive comedy "Window to Paris" Wednesday, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m. in Room 1021 of Brown Hall. The series is free and open to the public.

"Window to Paris" alternates between serious romance and outrageous slapstick. A young musician, recently fired from his job, discovers a magic window, which takes him from his rundown Russian apartment to the streets of Paris. Yuri Mamin directs the 1993 film, which is presented in Russian and French with English subtitles.

All films in the series are shown on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Room 1021 of Brown Hall.

Other movies in the Russian film series

Feb. 2--"Night Watch"

Timur Bekmambetov directed this 2004 fantasy-thriller set in present-day Moscow. Different forces rule the streets at night--dark magicians, vampires and other supernatural creatures. Their powers cannot be defeated with regular weapons. But tracking these night hunters are those who for centuries have battled the forces of twilight. They are called the "Night Watch." The film is presented in Russian with English subtitles.

Feb. 16--"At Home Among Strangers, A Stranger Among His Own"

During the 1920s--the hunger years--the new Soviet republic is collecting gold to buy bread from abroad. A young Red Army officer, Shilov, is entrusted with transporting the gold to Moscow. On the way to Moscow, the gold begins to disappear, and Shilov realizes that the gold is being taken by bandits. To preserve his good name, he has to join the bandits and find out where the gold is being held. Nikita Mikhalkov directed this 1974 film, presented in Russian with English subtitles.

March 9--"An Old, Old Tale"

Nadezhda Kosheverova directs this bittersweet story is based on Hans Christian Andersen's tales. Two parallel plots develop: one is a puppet show about a brave soldier and an evil princess, a good magician and a humorous king; the other is a story of the young puppeteer and his love. The 1969 film is presented in Russian with English subtitles.

March 30--"Brother"

Danila Bagrov returns from the Russian army to his small town where he finds life quite boring. He decides to go to St. Petersburg to join his brother, who appears to be doing quite well and might help his younger brother start a new life. Alexey Balabanov directs the 1997 film, presented in Russian with English subtitles.

April 13--"Driver for Vera"

Pavel Chukhray directs this 2004 movie. A new driver, Victor, appears at a general's dacha in Crimea and immediately changes the fate of all those living in the house. The maid Lida is openly after him; the general's daughter, Vera, falls in love with him; and the general's adjutant weaves intrigues implicating Victor. Love between Vera and Victor, his career, and many people become pawns in someone's game. "Driver for Vera" is presented in Russian with English subtitles.

For more information, contact Dr. Dasha Nisula, WMU professor of Russian, at <dasha.nisula@wmich.edu>.

Media contact: Thom Myers, 269 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu

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