''Russian Snark'' is a 2010 New Zealand film directed and written by

Stephen Sinclair Stephen Sinclair is a New Zealand playwright, screenwriter and novelist. He is the co-author of stage comedy ''Ladies Night''. In 2001, the French version won the Molière Award for stage comedy of the year. Other plays include ''The Bellbird'' a ...

and produced by Liz DiFiore. The film features

Stephen Papps Stephen Papps is an actor from New Zealand. He trained at the Academy Corporate Theatre Actors Workshop and the Wellington Performing Arts Centre, New Zealand. Career Stephen Papps has appeared in projects that range from the critically acclai ...

, Elena Stejko,

Stephanie Tauevihi Stephanie Ann Tauevihi is a New Zealand songwriter, singer and actress, known for her work as the fictional character, Donna Heka, in the New Zealand television series ''Shortland Street''. She also played a Real estate Agent in one episode of sh ...

and Te Waimarie Kessell. It is the story of Misha, a Russian filmmaker, and his struggles to make a movie in Godzone. It is the directorial debut of New Zealand writer

Plot

Misha (

), a once-celebrated filmmaker who has fallen on hard times, resolves to leave his homeland in search of a film-friendly country where he can pursue his career. With his wife Nadia ( Elena Stejko) in tow he sets sail from Russia in a tiny lifeboat, drifting across the Pacific to finally arrive in New Zealand. Before long Misha realises that New Zealand is no more receptive to his ideas and aesthetic than Russia. Yet he perseveres with his experimental film, ignoring his wife's pleas to find work. Misha increasingly withdraws into himself, and his relationship with Nadia collapses. Alone, his obsessions take hold and he steadily descends into madness. Only a chance encounter with a young Polynesian woman saves him from the ultimate act of self-destruction. His friendship with Roseanna (

) inspires a re-awakening, as he begins to reconnect with the world around him.

Cast

as Misha: a Russian film auteur whose career has long since stalled. * Elena Stejko as Nadia: wife and muse of the tortured artist. Elena brings authenticity to the role that is at times haunting and heart-warming. *

as Roseanna: a young Polynesian woman who develops a friendship with Misha. *

Rene Naufahu Rene Naufahu (born May 1970) is a New Zealand actor, screenwriter and director. Career Naufahu is perhaps best known for being an original cast member of the New Zealand soap opera ''Shortland Street'', playing paramedic Sam Aleni for the show' ...

as Vincent, a sleazy nightclub manager. *

Peter Rowley Peter Rowley (sometimes credited as Harrison Rowley during his early career) (born April 29, 1952) is a New Zealand comic actor and writer. He is best known for his television roles, where he has played in numerous popular television series as c ...

as Neville, the foul-tempered and philandering husband of Roseanna. *

Greg Johnson Gregory or Greg Johnson may refer to: Entertainment * Greg Johnson (comedian), American stand-up comedian, actor, and television host * Gregory B. Johnson (born 1951), pianist and member of the band Cameo * Greg Johnson (game designer) (born 196 ...

as a Chicken Farmer * Te Waimarie Kessell as Lani, the daughter of Roseanna. * Ethan Tauevihi as Tama, the son of Roseanna. File:Stephen Papps in Russian Snark.jpg,

File:Elena Stejko in Russian Snark.jpg, Elena Stejko File:Stephanie Tauevihi in Russian Snark.jpg,

Release

''Russian Snark'' had its world premiere at the

New Zealand International Film Festival New is an adjective referring to something recently made, discovered, or created. New or NEW may refer to: Music * New, singer of K-pop group The Boyz Albums and EPs * ''New'' (album), by Paul McCartney, 2013 * ''New'' (EP), by Regurgitator, ...

on 20 July 2010. It was also presented as a part of the Moscow International Film Market in June 2010. 4 June 2011 – Russian Snark screens at the Wairoa Maori Film Festival – Nuhaka Marae, Wairoa – Matariki/ 16 June 2011 – Screenings begin nationwide for Russian Snark 16 June 2011 – Russian Snark opens in Auckland, New Zealand at the Rialto in Newmarket – Q & A with Steven Sinclair 18 June 2011 – Russian Snark Q & A at the Art House Cinema, New Plymouth with Stephen Sinclair 19 June 2011 – Russian Snark Q & A at the Paramount Cinema, Wellington with Stephen Sinclair.

Awards

''Russian Snark'' has been nominated for 6 awards at The Qantas Film and Television Awards 2010.

nominated for Best Director,

nominated for Best Actor, Elena Stejko nominated for Best Actress,

nominated for Best Supporting Actress,

Stephen Gallagher Stephen Gallagher (born 13 October 1954) is an English screenwriter and novelist. Gallagher was born in Salford, Greater Manchester. Career Gallagher has written novels and television scripts, including for the BBC television series '' Doctor W ...

and David Long nominated for Best Music, and

Park Road Post Park Road Post Production is an international film and television post-production facility located in Miramar, a suburb of Wellington, New Zealand. Built out of the state-owned National Film Unit (NFU), the new facility opened upon completion i ...

nominated for Best Visual Effects. April 2011 – Russian Snark garners Best International Film Award at the Garden State Film Festival December 2010 – Three nomination at the US-based indie pictures Maverick Movie Awards – Best Actor – Stephen Papps – Best Supporting Actress – Elena Stejko (up against Joan Rivers) and Best Original Soundtrack – David Long and Stephen Gallagher! October 2010 – Russian Snark is an Official Selection at the Mumbai Film Festival, and the Carmel Art and Film Festival in California Effects.

References

External links

* * {{IMDb title, 1340119
Description of ''Russian Snark'' at New Zealand International Film Festival website

Nominations for NZ Film & TV awards announced

''Russian Snark'' trailer at traileraddict.com

Review of Russian Snark at The Big Idea
New Zealand comedy-drama films 2010 films 2010s Russian-language films 2010s English-language films