text=Feature Film in One Take Germany, Russia 2002, 90 mins

RUSSIAN ARK by Alexander Sokurov is a truly unique film. Combining state-of-the digital technology, innovative story-telling and his very personal style of mise-en-scene the film creates an absolute first in film history: a complete fiction film without a single edit - the <ultimate auteur movie>. No cut means director*s cut.In a continuous steadicam-movement - the longest that has ever been made - Sokurov tells a story across 300 years of Russian history. The invisible companion of an 18th Century French diplomat, he discovers the people, the conflicts and the intrigue of the Winter Palace. The unlikely couple - constantly bickering -  let themselves be carried through the several periods of time and chat in an ironic, mocking, emotional way about Russia. Thus, the diplomat*s love-hate relationship with this place is being expressed as well as the director*s very personal point of view as to Russia*s unclear position in Europe. Sokurov has staged his film with 867 actors, more that 1000 extras, lavish costumes, historical wigs and three live orchestras in one of the world*s great palaces, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. Following months of preparation and rehearsals, he entire film was shot in a single day - 23rd of December 2001 - and in a single take. The tension was immense. RUSSIAN ARK is a film pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. Shot on uncompressed 25p HD-Cam and recorded straight onto portable hard-disc, its completely digital and yet a truly beautiful, emotional European film. 

DIRECTOR: Alexander Sokurov
SCREENPLAY: Anatoli Nikiforov, Alexander Sokurov
DoP: Bernd Fischer, Anatoli Radionov
STEADYCAM OPERATOR: Tilman Büttner
PRODUCERS: Jens Meurer, Karsten Stöter, Andrey Deryabin (Hermitage Bridge Studio)CO-PRODUCERS: Kopp Media, Sven Boeck / WDR Arte, Fora Film M, Ast Studio, NHK Japan
SUPPORTED BY: The State Hermitage, Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung, Filmboard Berlin-Brandenburg, Kulturelle Filmförderung des Bundes, Filmförderung Hamburg, Filmbüro Nordrhein-Westfalen, Kulturelle Filmförderung Sachsen-Anhalt,YLE / TV1, DR1, Director´s Friend, Studio Babelsberg, Das Werk, Seville Pictures Inc., Alla Verlotsky