Russian filmmaker, films to come to IU Cinema today

A lecture and screening of one of Russia’s most celebrated film directors, Vadim Abdrashitov, will be presented at 3 p.m. Thursday at the IU Cinema. Abdrashitov is the recipient of Russia’s highest artistic honor, the People’s Artist award.

Guest lecturer Vladimir Padunov, associate professor in the Department of Slavic Languages at the University of Pittsburgh, will guide the audience through the life and work of Abdrashitov.

Notable films directed by Abdrashitov:

“Vremya Tantsora” (2003)
Larisa (Svetlana Kopylova) returns with her children to reunite with her husband Valeri (Yuri Stepanov) after being away for months. During the welcome-home party, it is obvious Valeri is having an affair with young Katya (Chulpan Khamatova) despite Larisa’s homecoming. Meanwhile, Valeri’s friend Fyodor (Sergei Nikonenko) has relations with nurse Olga (Natalya Loskutova), and Valeri questions if Katya is seeing his friend Andrei (Andrei Yegorov).

“Magnetic Storms” (1991)
Abdrashitov develops the relationship between Marina (Viktoria Tolstoganova) and Valera (Maksim Avernin), showing what seems to be an unbreakable, romantic bond. From there, the couple’s connection is tested as a series of events unfold, including a gang of street fighters bursting into the couple’s bedroom mid-fight, wedding rings being stolen and escapes from evil.

“Parade of the Planets” (1985)
After a group of Red Guard veterans are called to participate in military maneuvers at a civilian reserve, and believed to be killed in action, they decide to go on a fantasy adventure before heading home. The veterans visit a town occupied only by beautiful women, and after skinny-dipping, land on a deserted island where they eventually link up with a group of elderly people.

Follow IU Cinema reporter Olivia Williams on Twitter @obwillia.