Mark Varshaver, the director of the Mark Zakharov Lenkom Theater, shared with TV channel 360 that director Gleb Panfilov, who faced a stroke and pneumonia, is preparing to move to a rehabilitation center. The plans for his transfer are expected to be finalized in the coming days, Varshaver noted. The update gives hope for ongoing recovery while underscoring that the process will take time.
Contrary to some media reports, Panfilov remains off the ventilator. Varshaver clarified that the director is not connected to any respiratory apparatus at present. He also mentioned that Panfilov retains full awareness and comprehension, even though he does not yet speak. The path to full healing will unfold gradually, with patience and support playing crucial roles.
Time is a common refrain in recovery stories, Varshaver observed, adding that healing often follows its own pace. The statement reflects a cautious optimism about Panfilov’s condition as he progresses toward rehabilitation.
Earlier, Russian agencies reported that Panfilov was in intensive care after his admission to hospital. These updates help paint a picture of the ongoing medical status and the severity of the initial health event. The public update aims to provide clarity amid circulating rumors and ensures that information remains grounded in medical assessment.
On May 11, the 88-year-old filmmaker experienced a stroke and was admitted to the Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine. It was also noted that he developed pneumonia during this period. These health events marked a challenging phase for Panfilov and his family, drawing attention to his extensive career and ongoing contributions to cinema.
Gleb Panfilov is recognized for a number of influential films, including No Passage in Fire, which earned the top prize at the Locarno Film Festival, along with I Want a Word and The Theme, among others. His wife, Churikova, who is honored as a People’s Artist of the USSR, passed away in Moscow on January 14, 2023 after a prolonged illness. The couple’s legacy remains a significant part of Panfilov’s life and work, frequently cited in retrospectives and discussions about Soviet and Russian cinema. Attributions: RIA Novosti, Sklifosovsky Institute notes, and national film archives provide context for this storied career.