In a candid interview with Public News, director Karen Shakhnazarov spoke about his creative approach and the themes he chooses to explore on screen. He was clear that his current project is not intended to be a documentary treatment of a specific military operation in Ukraine. Instead, he emphasized a broader vision, one that reflects on the present moment and the way real events shape storytelling in contemporary cinema.
Shakhnazarov recalled that he never planned to create a film focused on a particular moment of a modern conflict. He described the work as a portrayal of what is happening around him in the here and now, a snapshot of lived reality rather than a minute-by-minute chronicle of a single incident. He highlighted a prior project titled White Tiger, noting that it addresses themes and tensions that resonate far beyond any single event, underscoring how a director can translate current affairs into a more universal narrative through symbolism, character study, and ethical questions.
Discussing the timing and cadence of producing film and television about recent events, Shakhnazarov pointed out that the process is lengthy. He suggested that, given the scale and complexity of modern wars, there are relatively few Russian films or television series that tackle the latest SVO developments in depth at this moment. The production cycle for high-stakes drama is inherently slow, he explained, as filmmakers balance research, access, safety, and creative interpretation while aiming to reach audiences with clarity and responsibility.
From a broader industry perspective, the director reflected on how a prolonged conflict often shapes the output of cinema and documentary work. He noted that in the wake of such upheavals, venues for storytelling diversify. Poetry, journalistic reportage, and documentary forms tend to rise alongside feature narratives, each offering distinct lenses through which audiences can process difficult events. In Shakhnazarov’s view, these varied formats collectively enrich the cultural conversation and help viewers make sense of complex circumstances rather than providing a single, simplistic account.
The Mosfilm chief executive expanded on the practical realities that influence what gets produced. He stressed that patience is essential for creating meaningful cinema during ongoing hostilities. While audiences may crave rapid, immediate reactions to current events, the industry operates on a longer horizon where thoughtful, well-researched projects gradually come to fruition. In his assessment, a balanced slate of work emerges only after careful planning, risk assessment, and a sustained commitment to artistic integrity.
Earlier remarks from Shakhnazarov also touched on the role of actors and the responsibilities that come with portraying contemporary conflicts. He urged performers who publicly criticized or condemned certain actions to consider the broader impact of their participation in film projects. Rather than removing those actors from productions, he advocated for maintaining artistic inclusion while continuing to engage in dialogue about the responsibilities of cinema in times of national and international tension. This stance reflects a nuanced view of creative collaboration under pressure, where freedom of expression coexists with a recognition of the sensitive nature of the subject matter.