Nuuccha
A poor Yakut couple have just buried their newborn child and they are now preparing for the harsh winter ahead. When the local governor, installed by the tsarist authorities, instructs them to take in a Russian political prisoner, they have no choice but to comply. The foreigner’s presence, however, encroaches upon their lives more than they had anticipated…
Set in the late 19th century, "Nuuccha" (Yakut for “Russian”) was inspired by the writings of Polish author Wacław Sieroszewski, who became acquainted with Yakut culture and traditions during his years in Siberian exile. This evocative drama by debuting director Vladimir Munkuev is a striking example of lesser known Yakut cinema, while it also contributes significantly to the debate on the impact of colonisation and forced assimilation within tsarist Russia.
“Nuuccha” participated in Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event Works in Progress presentation in 2020.
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Vladimir Munkuev, born in 1987 in Yakutsk, Russia, studied in Arctic State Culture and Arts Institute as Director of Theatre faculty. After graduation he enrolled in Moscow Film School at the course of award-winning directors Aleksey Popogrebsky and Boris Khlebnikov. His 1st short film Dude, 2017 won special jury diploma at XIX International Festival of Cinematographic Debuts and National Yakut Best Script and Best Cinematography awards. The 2nd short film Joy, 2018 was awarded the Prize for Best Film of Short Films Competition of Moscow IFF, the Best Short Film in Foreign Language at SHNIT festival, was nominated for the Grand Prix of Koroche Short Film Festival.
Nuuccha (2021)
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