Directed by Russian Newcomer Alexandre Kott

The highly anticipated film "The Experiment of the Steppe," which garnered both the Grand Prix for Artistic Contribution and the WOWOW Award at last year's Tokyo International Film Festival, is finally coming to theaters.

The film is directed by Alexandre Kott, a rising talent whose "Brest Fortress" (2010) won three awards at the Nika Awards, often called Russia's Academy Awards. Inspired by a real event that occurred during the Soviet era, Kott has crafted a story with a shocking conclusion, set in an unspecified time and place, relying on breathtaking visuals and the subtle expressions of characters that come alive precisely because there is no dialogue.

Kott also cast newcomer Elena An, who had no prior acting experience, as the heroine. The cast is filled with actors who, though unknown, possess rich expressive capabilities. In the absence of dialogue, their eyes and expressions eloquently tell the story.

The beautiful music that resonates within this dialogue-free visual world is by globally acclaimed violinist and composer Alexei Aigi.

A Dark Shadow Suddenly Falls Upon a Peaceful Daily Life

A father and daughter live in a small house isolated on the vast steppe. A single tree stands before the house, watching over the family. Every morning, the daughter sees her father off as he leaves for work somewhere, and while waiting for his return, she gazes at a world map plastered on the wall in her room, her thoughts drifting to distant lands.

She found a quiet happiness in this repetitive, peaceful life, and she had a childhood friend she harbored feelings for. Then, a boy with blue eyes, who arrived from somewhere, also fell in love with her beauty.

A subtle love triangle among the three. However, a dark shadow suddenly begins to fall upon the seemingly tranquil daily life.

The delicate and varied expressions of the characters, starting with the beautiful young girl. The overwhelming visual beauty woven by light and shadow. And the deeply resonant music. This story, which shifts from a beautiful everyday existence to a shocking conclusion, will undoubtedly leave a profound mark on our hearts.



"The Experiment of the Steppe"
Opening September 26 (Saturday) at Shibuya Theatre Image Forum and other theaters nationwide.
Director | Alexandre Kott
Starring | Elena An, Daniil Razmakhin, Karina Pakachakova, Narymambet Bekbulatov-Aleshev
Distribution | MIDSHIP
2014 / Russia / 97 min
http://sogennojikken.com


© Igor Tolstunov’s Film Production Company