Director Alexander Sokurov recently spoke about his student Kantemir Balagov, expressing a hopeful wish that Balagov will find his way back to making films. In a conversation with the RTVI Telegram channel, Sokurov shared his emotional perspective, saying there is regret mixed with a sincere belief in Balagov’s talent. He emphasized that Balagov possesses a rare instinct for storytelling and a distinctive voice behind the camera. The veteran filmmaker noted that a period of personal upheaval has touched Balagov, but he trusts that time may ease that turmoil and, with it, a renewed commitment to cinema. He underscored the importance of Balagov’s return not just for the director himself, but for the broader creative community that has followed his early work with anticipation and support. His words read as a testament to mentorship and the enduring potential seen in Balagov by someone who has navigated a long, storied career in the industry. The message carried a quiet urgency: Balagov’s future projects could reaffirm the filmmaker’s artistic path and inspire new generations, even as the present moment holds its own uncertainties. The emphasis lay less on a promise of immediate productions and more on a faith in Balagov’s capacity to reengage with cinema when the moment feels right, a sentiment echoed by peers who recognize the pressures faced by young auteurs in a changing cultural landscape. (Source: Sokurov interview notes, cited by RTVI)
The exchange also touched on Balagov’s distance from the Russian film community during recent years. Sokurov explained that he has not been in contact with Balagov or with other artists who have chosen to relocate or take time away from Russia. This clarification helps frame Balagov’s career as part of a broader discussion about artistic decisions in times of political and personal flux, rather than as an isolated incident. The remark highlights a common thread among several contemporary directors who balance creative pursuits with the realities of global mobility and shifting national attention. It signals an awareness that creative output can transcend borders, even when personal circumstances require a pause from the home scene. (Attribution: interview transcript, RTVI coverage)
Balagov first appeared on the international scene in 2017 with his feature debut, Intimacy, which drew recognition on the festival circuit. The film premiered at a prestigious international gathering and earned acclaim from critics for its intimate portrayal and bold directorial choices. The International Federation of Film Critics, known as FIPRESCI, granted an award within the Un Certain Regard section, underscoring Balagov’s emergence as a strong new voice in contemporary cinema. The reception at the festival helped establish Balagov as a filmmaker to watch, signaling that his approach to storytelling could resonate with international audiences and industry professionals alike. (Reference: Cannes exhibition records, FIPRESCI award citation)
Balagov’s sophomore effort, Dylda, followed at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, where the film earned the Best Director award, marking a notable milestone in his career. That same year, the film was put forward by Russia for consideration in the Academy Awards, with a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, reflecting the country’s confidence in Balagov’s artistic direction. The film’s trajectory at Cannes and its Oscar submission positioned Balagov as a rising figure in world cinema, capable of marrying intense personal storytelling with broad festival appeal. The recognition helped propel discussions about the evolving role of Russian cinema on the global stage and the ways in which young directors shape national cinema in dialogue with international audiences. (Festival records and Academy submission notes, 2019)