The Golden Collection on Mosfilm will host a film marathon on July 13 to honor the centenary of renowned actor Mikhail Pugovkin. The event highlights the actor’s enduring influence and showcases a curated slate of his best work across multiple decades, inviting fans to celebrate a storied career in Russian cinema.
From an early age, Pugovkin demonstrated a natural talent for performance. While employed at a factory, he joined a drama circle, and later performed with the theater troupe in Sretenka, building a foundation that would shape his versatile screen persona. The marathon offers a window into his development as an artist, tracing the path from stage beginnings to his prolific filmography.
The screening lineup begins at 7:25 with the comedy The Adventures of Prince Florizel, followed by 100% Nylon, the adventures of Shurik as seen in Operation Y and Other Adventures of Shurik, Ivan Vasilievich Changes Profession, Girls, Knight’s Move, For Matches, and the Colorful Case. Each film reflects different facets of Pugovkin’s range, from light humor to broader parodies, and demonstrates the collaborative spirit that defined Soviet-era cinema.
At 19:05 the audience will be treated to the comedy 12 Chairs, featuring Pugovkin in the role of Fyodor’s father. The production notes emphasize the actor’s willingness to take on challenging scenes without audition, overcoming fears such as heights to perform on location in demanding conditions and delivering memorable performances that resonated with audiences.
As the night unfolds, at 22:00 the tape Sportloto-82 premieres, marking the sixth feature in Pugovkin’s collaboration with director Georgiy Daneliya. The marathon continues with It Cannot Be, based on the sharp wit of Mikhail Zoshchenko, airing at 23:45, followed by a closing almanac that reflects on Pugovkin’s cinematic legacy and the era’s artistic achievements.
Pugovkin’s filmography spans more than a hundred roles, including iconic titles such as Soldier Ivan Brovkin, Wedding in Malinovka, Girls, Visiting the Minotaur, Operation Y, 12 Chairs, Ivan Vasilievich Changes Profession, It Cannot Be, and Sportloto-82. The marathon celebrates the breadth of his performances, from comedies to satire, and honors a lifetime of contribution to Russian cinema.
In keeping with the Golden Collection’s tradition, the Mosfilm channel’s festival programming continues to shine a light on foundational works, inviting new audiences to experience classic performances that shaped generations of filmmakers and actors. The event stands as a testament to the lasting appeal of Pugovkin’s artistry and to the enduring resonance of the films that defined an era of cinema in the region.