Bullfinch, a film directed by Boris Khlebnikov, claimed the top prize at the Golden Eagle Awards, a development confirmed by TASS. The victory marks a notable milestone for the creative team and signals strong reception within the Russian film community. The win comes as audiences and critics alike have been watching Khlebnikov’s evolving storytelling approach, which blends maritime setting with human resilience to forge a memorable cinematic experience.
Sergei Selyanov, who produced the project under the Snegir banner, spoke with evident emotion about the film’s reception. He noted the deep interest shown by scholars in the work and suggested that Khlebnikov, through this project, has emerged as a significant national artist with a growing international profile. His remarks underscored the sense of pride among collaborators and the broader cultural community.
At the ceremony held at Mosfilm, a statuette was awarded to Khlebnikov’s team, with the presentation performed by Mosfilm’s General Director Karen Shakhnazarov. The moment highlighted not only the personal achievement of the director but also the film’s standing within a storied national studio system known for shaping generations of Russian cinema.
The narrative of Bullfinch follows the crew of the fishing vessel Snegir as they encounter a brutal storm at sea. The screenplay, co-written by Boris Khlebnikov and Natalia Meshchaninova, adapts Georgy Vladimov’s novella Three Minutes of Silence, translating its themes of endurance, duty, and camaraderie into a vivid cinematic journey. The adaptation preserves the claustrophobic atmosphere of life aboard a ship while expanding the emotional scope to explore leadership, fear, and solidarity in the face of nature’s unpredictable forces.
The film’s ensemble includes Alexander Robak, Timofey Tribuntsev, and Makar Khlebnikov, who bring to life a crew whose dynamics drive both tension and tenderness. Their performances anchor the story, offering human detail that complements the sweeping maritime backdrop and the film’s philosophical undercurrents.
Prior to its Golden Eagle triumph, Bullfinch was showcased as the opening film of the 45th Moscow International Film Festival, signaling a high-profile debut for the project within Russia’s premier cinephile event. The screening opened conversations about contemporary maritime cinema and Khlebnikov’s evolving craft, positioning the film as a focal point of the festival’s program.
Earlier remarks around Bullfinch noted its ongoing momentum as the film prepared for broader reception, building anticipation among critics and festival-goers. The continued attention around the project underscored its enduring appeal and the studio’s confidence in its ability to resonate with a wide audience while maintaining artistic integrity.