Ukrainian-Russian Drama Wins Kinotavr Grand Prix

Kyiv, June 12, 2012. Ukrainian-Russian drama Ya Budu Riadom (I Will Be Nearby) was awarded the main prize at Russia’s largest national film festival Kinotavr (since 1991). Ya Budu Riadom is a story of a terminally ill mother looking for a new family for her six year old son.

Film critics named drama directed by Pavel Ruminov and produced by Ukrainian Studio Kvartal-95 the best film at the 2012 Sochi open film festival. The jury viewed 14 feature films and one documentary in the run of the festival (June 3-10, 2012). The film became the first non-comedy product of the studio. “Let’s trust each other more. This is the film about reconciliation and acceptance. When you do what you believe in, life becomes better,” stated Pavel Ruminov in his speech.

“The first stage of creating any film is inventing a story, and then “dressing” it in a certain genre, may it be comedy or drama. We found this story very humane and touching. It displays real emotions, the main characters empathize with and reflect on the most precious values in human life – loved ones and family,” commented Volodymyr Zelenskyi, Studio Kvartal-95 creative director, co-producer of Ya Budu Riadom.

Ya Budu Riadom is a film about a young single mother, successful restaurant manager with a great sense of humor. The main character, Inna, managed to develop a deep relationship of trust, support, and understanding with her six year old son. Despite her health condition Inna is doing her best to find a suitable new home for her favorite person – her son Mitia. Finally, she meets a nice loving well to do married couple. Olga and Sergey have everything except for children. After they see Mitia they realize that he is a very clever and talented boy. He also seems to like the couple, who buy him nice expensive presents. He does not, however, know about his mother’s condition. Will Mitia be able to accept the loss?

Best Actor award of the XXIII Sochi festival went to Azamat Nigmanov for his role in the film Convoy. Anna Mikhalkova and Yana Troyanova shared the Best Actress award for starring in Kokoko. Vasiliy Sigarev was named Best Director for his film Zhyt (To Live).