The film I’m Taking a Step, directed by Olga Akatieva, premiered in Russian distribution, according to representatives from the film company Nashe Kino reported to socialbites.ca.
The narrative follows Sasha Makarov, a teacher from Pskov who dreams of securing a prestigious position in Moscow. The story explores his guarded worldview, revealing that he trusts no one but his childhood friend, with whom he shares a complicated romance.
Olga Akatieva has described I’m Taking a Step as a personal landmark. Raised in a family of educators, she views the project as a tribute to the teaching profession. Family members—grandparents, mother, aunts, uncles, and sisters—have all been teachers. Though she did not immediately follow that path, Akatieva found her own way to the classroom through cinema. She has spoken about how essential it is to seek recognition and how mentors shape the lives of many individuals.
The film had its all-Russian premiere at the Scarlet Sails International Children’s Film Festival, a flagship event associated with the ETC. Lanovoy festival held annually at the Artek camp. The jury selected it for the nomination The Wisest Film, and the lead actor Sergey Novosad received a special jury prize honoring the poignant performance of the central character.
Novosad, in discussing the project, emphasized that I’m Taking a Step holds deep personal significance for him. He portrays Sasha Makarov as someone who feels fundamentally different from those around him, and the film charts a lengthy journey toward self-acceptance. The story frames dyslexia not as a flaw but as a distinctive trait that shapes who the character becomes.
The cast also includes Anastasia Talyzina, Maria Aronova, Ravshana Kurkova, Milana Bru, Denis Shvedov, Mikhail Politseymako, Irina Rozanova, Nikolai Schreiber, Nikita Tarasov, Pavel Komarov, Denis Sinyavsky, Dmitry Kolchin, Ekaterina Korotkova, Maria Presnya Korotkova, Alexander Yugov, Artem Bocharov, Dmitry Chebotarev, Vasilisa Suyunova, Artem Bashenin, Alina Kastyrina, Nikita Utesov, and Anastasia Bakaeva. The ensemble brings to life a story about ambition, friendship, and the stubborn tension between intellect and heart as a young teacher navigates his own path through a world that often underestimates him.
On broader industry notes, the film’s release coincides with an ongoing focus on representations of dyslexia and learning differences in cinema. The performances and the script invite viewers to rethink assumptions about ability, while the character’s persistence offers a narrative about resilience and self-definition. The production contributes to a growing body of cinematic work that centers educators and students within authentic, emotionally charged contexts.
In a wider cultural frame, the festival recognition underscores the film’s resonance with families and educators who see themselves reflected on screen. The story’s emphasis on mentorship echoes across generations, highlighting how guidance from teachers and trusted adults can alter life trajectories. The interplay between personal history and professional identity becomes a driving theme, inviting audiences to consider the importance of recognizing one’s own value and the impact of supportive mentors.
Throughout the development, the creators emphasize that the central character’s challenge is not simply a medical label but a human experience that speaks to a broad audience. The film portrays a realistic, emotionally nuanced journey toward self-awareness, encouraging viewers to celebrate differences as strengths rather than barriers. Visual storytelling and character-driven drama work together to illuminate a universal pursuit: finding one’s place in a world that often demands conformity.
Overall, I’m Taking a Step stands as a meaningful entry in contemporary Russian cinema, offering a thoughtful meditation on identity, education, and the enduring power of personal connection. Its festival accolades and the strength of the cast reinforce its potential to spark conversations among families, educators, and communities about acceptance, mentorship, and the courage to pursue one’s authentic path.