THE OBSERVERS, 18min., Russia
Directed by Evgeny Sychev
When everything goes wrong on a project and catastrophic failures become commonplace, it is necessary to acknowledge the mistakes with honor and close down the long-suffering project. But what if the project is an entire planet?

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

This was the idea of crushing the world, not only the world as a planet, but the world of one man, who got used to planning and controlling everything. What would he do if nothing has a point?

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Idea came to me in february 2017, and the final cut of the movie was in january 2024, so it's been 7 years.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Crushing plans

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

It was very difficult to make everything as i planned, for example, i wanted to make a long chase of Max and two "Specialists", but our cam was glitched around three hours, so we were waiting for a new one. Time wasted and chase scene now is around 30 seconds.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It was very exciting to know that people on the other side of the planet like my film and share the same thoughts as i.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

From early school I dreamed about telling stories by visual novels. So I graduated from the Humanitarian Institute of TV and Radio as a film director, and film some small novels from time to time.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The Lord of the Rings, Return of the King.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

It will be great to have more social activity on Youtube and Facebook I think. Or on Instagram with the possibility of the repost.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

That's a great platform for indie filmmakers all over the World, especially now, when it is very difficult to have a connection with industry in Russia.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Beef stroganoff with mashed potatoes

11. What is next for you? A new film?

Right now I just want to survive in this brave new world) Maybe this new time will bring me some new ideas for some movie. But really i just want to extend the universe of Progreesors which i started in "The Observers".