Chechenfilm presents new drama series

Russian trailer for Degen az (2015), dir. Beslan Terekbayev

Grozny-based film studio Chechenfilm yesterday presented their new series Degan az (Call of the heart).

Chechenfilm is Chechnya’s first film studio, and the only studio in the North Caucasus.

The head of the studio, Beslan Terekbayev, describes the film series as a “modern love story about two young people, one of whom dies for the sake of a friend”. Mr Terekbayev also worked on the film as director and screenwriter, together with young student director Vladlena Sandu. The series was shot in Chechnya, featuring Chechen actors, but editing took place at the Tryokhmer studio in Moscow.

Famous guests at the premiere in Grozny included actors Oleg Taktarov and Nikita Vysotsky and director Andrey Konchalovsky. Degan Az has since been released in cinemas throughout Chechnya.

Mr Terekbayev stated that the next project for the studio would be a feautre-length film featuring famous Russian actors, adding that many Russian stars have agreed to appear in Chechenfilm productions, including Sergey Bezrukov, who was honoured as People’s Artist of Russia in 2008. He noted the progress made by Chechenfilm, highlighting that the studio was set up from nothing and has survived for five years without government support.

“We have the same technology as the studios that made Pirates of the Caribbean and Stalingrad. […] We have the technology and the manpower. We will look for sponsors and create. I’m sure we’ll find our audience,” said Mr Terekbayev.