Russia Focus: 5 Short Films
Since 2010, we have been building connections between stories from 36 countries across five continents: from the mythical landscapes of Morocco to the futuristic visions of South Korea; from the lyrical tales of Senegal to the magical realism of Argentina. Each film is a bridge between cultures, a testament to the power of the marvellous as a universal language.
On 14 October, in partnership with the Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Centre, the Festival du Film Merveilleux & Imaginaire invites you on an extraordinary journey into the heart of contemporary Russian imagination. From poetic animation to fantastic fiction, discover five distinctive works that push the boundaries of reality.
Programme
La Louve (Franco-Russian fiction) — Dir. Svetlana Trébulle
Victor, a lonely 25-year-old Parisian, has been obsessed since childhood with a tale his grandmother used to tell him. When he learns that deadly wolf attacks are taking place in Russia and involve a mysterious young woman, his fascination takes a darker turn.
Tweet Tweet (Best Film 2018) — Dir. Zhanna Bekmambetova (Animation)
Life is like walking a tightrope. Through the friendship between young Luba and a fearless sparrow, this dialogue-free animation explores balance, fear and those moments when we forget our limits and take flight.
Hymn of the Plague (Music Award 2025) — Dir. Alexander Epikhov, Dimitri Gorbaty & Philipp Ivanov
In an old Soviet recording studio, musicians attempt to record a composition based on Pushkin’s work. Strange phenomena begin to disturb them — spirits of the past or echoes of war — until the very end.
Sirène (SFX Award 2025) — Dir. Dasha Charusha
What happened after Andersen’s Little Mermaid turned into sea foam? After three thousand years serving the forces of good, her story continues in this supernatural reimagining.
Son (Jury Prize 2025) — Dir. Zhanna Bekmambetova (Animation)
A father’s unwavering devotion to his son, who uses a wheelchair, finds hope through an unexpected inspiration from Mars. A touching tale for all parents who never give up.
About the Partnership
A journey into the heart of the Russian imagination, in the heart of Paris.
The Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Centre joins forces with the Festival du Film Merveilleux & Imaginaire for this special evening dedicated to contemporary Russian cinema. This partnership offers Paris audiences the opportunity to discover the richness and diversity of Russian filmmaking in a prestigious setting in the heart of Paris.
The Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Centre (CSCOR) works in Paris to promote Russian culture and spiritual heritage. A bridge between our two countries, it fosters Franco-Russian dialogue, promotes the Russian language and offers a window onto contemporary Russia.
The Festival du Film Merveilleux & Imaginaire, which has celebrated imaginative filmmaking from around the world since 2010, continues its mission of introducing audiences to the filmmaking talents of tomorrow.
Event Details
When: Tuesday, 14 October at 7:00 pm | 18+
Where: Russian Orthodox Spiritual and Cultural Centre, 1 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris
Admission: Free with registration
RSVP: https://forms.gle/mD5dmG1xSyi9kgm4
