An older cut of the film Empire V, adapted from Viktor Pelevin’s acclaimed novel, surfaced online. The project, which features rapper Oxxxymiron, a figure who has been publicly labeled a foreign agent in Russia, sparked attention across fan communities and film circles alike. A well-followed Telegram channel dedicated to news tracked the leak and pointed readers toward the film’s director, Viktor Ginzburg, as a point of reference for the developing situation.
Ginzburg responded with a measured stance, expressing regret over the breach and emphasizing that the version circulating now does not reflect the complete, intended experience. He noted that the leaked footage omits certain scenes and episodes, and, as a result, he urged audiences to withhold judgment until a fuller, official release is available for viewing. The director also stated that mechanisms are in motion to identify the source of the leak and to address the security lapse that allowed it to occur. He stressed that the matter is being treated with seriousness and urgency by the production team and distribution partners.
Industry observers and the film’s supporters hope that Empire V will eventually reach audiences at international festivals and, later, achieve a more formal distribution in Russia. The timeline for release has been fluid, with discussions and delays marking the production journey. The adaptation, which has circulated in media and fan circles since 2011 and gained fresh attention in 2017 when Miron Fedorov, known professionally as Oxxxymiron, was announced in a principal role, has encountered multiple postponements. In the spring of 2022, a renewed review by cultural authorities led to questions about the film’s rating, fueling speculation about how it would be positioned for viewers across different markets. This backdrop of regulatory considerations has shaped expectations about how the film will be received domestically and abroad.
Pre-release chatter included a previously released online trailer and a related documentary project about Viktor Pelevin, which offered a broader contextual frame for audiences who are curious about the creative forces behind Empire V. Even amid the leak, producers and festival programmers remain committed to presenting a version of the film that aligns with Pelevin’s literary vision while leveraging the cinematic storytelling the adaptation promises. The ongoing dialogue among viewers, critics, and festival curators underscores the film’s cross-cultural appeal and its potential to spark conversations about contemporary Russian cinema in global theatres.
As the discussion continues, fans are encouraged to watch for official announcements detailing legitimate release windows, festival selections, and platform availability. The situation underscores the importance of intellectual property protection in modern film production, as well as the high expectations audiences hold for adaptations of beloved novels. Empire V stands as a touchstone—an ambitious project that seeks to translate Pelevin’s intricate themes into a visual experience capable of resonating with diverse audiences while navigating the complexities of international distribution, cultural context, and audience reception.