Opening Night
Opening NightThe Opening Night was launched at the Gallery of the Arts. We had a splendid and cosy reception which was followed by the World Premiere of In Memorian Alexander Litvinenko at the Beverly Arts Centre's Pritzker Auditorium. Directors Jos de Putter & Masha Novikova were in attendance. This film which examined the final days of ex-Federal Security Service officer, Russian dissident and writer Aleksandr Litvinenko as well as an engrossing look into the tense political situation in Russia. Composed of candid and riveting interviews with Litvinenko - some of which feature the stoic thinker prophesizing his own death – Litvinenko’s father, his wife Marina and Akhmed Zakayev, the Chechen President in exile, this ripped from the headlines, eye-opening documentary is both a political tour de force and an example of masterful filmmaking. Filmed two years prior to his death, the world will now have another image etched in our minds other than the photo of the bald ailing Alexander languishing on his hospital bed.
The Opening Night festivities concluded with more post screening festivities in the Film Makers Lounger at the art noveau Chopin Theatre. Hats off to Festival Director Christopher Kamyszew and Associate Director Joanna Topor and their team for a great kick-off. Can't wait for the the films to start.
