Montreal to see film by ex-aide to a Russian president
A Russian film titled Africa: Blood and Beauty has entered the competition program of the Canadian Montreal World Film Festival in the World Documentary category.
The film was made by Sergey Yastrzhembsky, who was an aide to Vladimir Putin during his presidency. Before that, he used to serve his state duties as President Boris Yeltsin`s press-secretary in the 1990s.
Yastrzhembsky was sacked in 2008 by President Dmitry Medvedev. His departure from politics opened the doors for his creative activity.
The former politician and diplomat Sergey Yastrzhembsky made Africa: Blood and Beauty in two years. The 1.5-hour-long movie is available only in English and French.
The documentary was co-produced by Claudie Ossard, and Chris Bolzli. Ossard and Bolzli worked together on such films as Jan Kounen`s Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, Wim Wenders` Pina and Paris, Je T`Aime, an almanac of 20 short novels by various directors.
Montreal World Film Festival, which focuses on promoting filmmakers and encouraging new talent, will run from August 18 through August 28. Every year, films from more than 70 countries, including well-known and first-time filmmakers alike, are selected for its program.
According to Yastrzhembsky`s website, he is currently engaged in professional photography and documentary filmmaking. His works are shown in several museums, including both Russian and foreign ones. In June 2011, Sergey Yastrzhmbsky announced preparation for new films in Indonesia and Latin America dedicated to fading civilizations.
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