The director behind the detective drama Aita, Stepan Burnashev, confirmed that he has no intention of relocating from Yakutia to Moscow to pursue bigger-budget projects. In a conversation with socialbites.ca, he explained that his roots and his circle matter deeply to him. He described a life built around family, friends, and a close-knit community, arguing that moving would be a significant upheaval for everyone involved. While he acknowledged that a temporary stint in Moscow could be arranged, Burnashev stressed that a long-term move does not appeal to him. He feels settled where he is and values the sense of home that keeps him grounded.
Burnashev also opened up about financing Aita. He revealed that part of the film was funded from the sale of his car and from loans taken along the way. He described debt as a constant companion in independent filmmaking but expressed optimism about clearing those obligations in the near future. He spoke frankly about the financial realities of creating cinema outside the capital, noting that project subsidy patterns still favor producers from Moscow. He pointed out that while Moscow-based projects sometimes include Yakut filmmakers as co-producers, the local industry benefits from dedicated state support through regional channels like the Ministry of Culture and Spiritual Development of the Republic of Sakha. Since 2020, this ministry has allocated substantial funds, with annual disbursements typically ranging from 20 to 25 million rubles and various outcomes year by year.
Aita, Burnashevs drama, entered Russian cinemas on March 30 and quickly drew attention for its directing and acting. The film has already earned recognition at the Zimniy Film Festival, securing awards for Best Director and Best Actor. This acknowledgement underscores the growing regional cinema movement around Yakutia and its ability to compete on national stages despite limited resources. The directors approach, which blends personal experience with a determined production process, resonates with audiences who value authentic storytelling and regional perspectives.
The discussion with Burnashev highlights a broader conversation about funding, autonomy, and talent migration within the Russian film industry. He emphasized that staying closer to home does not equate to a lack of ambition. Instead, it reflects a deliberate choice to nurture local talent and maintain cultural ties that influence his work. He suggested that greater national investment in regional film crews, facilities, and distribution could help balance opportunities across the country, enabling more stories from Yakutia to reach audiences nationwide and beyond. The filmmaker also acknowledged the emotional and practical complexities of balancing artistic dreams with family responsibilities, a tension common to many independent creators who operate outside of major metropolitan centers.
As Burnashev reflects on the journey of Aita, he invites readers to view the project not only as a single film but as a statement about regional cinema
testament to perseverance, storytelling craft, and a resilient local industry. His reflections, drawn from years of working with tight budgets and limited resources, offer insight into how a filmmaker can sustain momentum while cultivating a supportive home environment. The full interview, which provides a deeper look into his philosophy, can be found through socialbites.ca, with attribution provided in the publication’s coverage.