Panic Attacks, the latest feature from Ivan I. Tverdovsky, is slated for distribution in Russian cinemas by Reflexion Films. The film has already earned acclaim at a winter festival, where it secured the Grand Prize for its bold storytelling and emotional reach.
Audience introductions and press premieres are planned at key venues, with main cast and production teams traveling to major cities for intimate screenings and Q&A sessions. The distribution strategy emphasizes a broad nationwide rollout, aiming to connect with audiences across Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other cultural hubs.
The narrative follows Vika, a woman whose life is shadowed by panic attacks and persistent nervous symptoms. When she travels to Norway, a crime occurs, and the motivations behind it unfold in a way that invites deep character study and social reflection.
The primary cast includes Elena Tronina, known for roles in Aurora, Identity, and Happy Ending; Sergei Dvoinikov, recognized from Kidney, Taurus, and Podolsk Students; Daria Savelyeva, acclaimed for Hello Mom, Holidays, and Nadezhda Factory; and Svetlana Kamynina. The ensemble brings a blend of established experience and fresh presence to the film’s intimate, psychological landscape.
Filming took place in dynamic border towns such as Nikel and Zapolyarny, along with Moscow, with Norwegian actors joining the Russian production team to participate in the project. The director has long been drawn to Norwegian settings, finding in the town of Nikel a unique atmosphere that informs the film’s mood and texture.
As the filmmaker explains, Panic Attacks is not meant to be a straightforward crime story. It explores the legends surrounding Norwegian prisons and how those myths influence cinematic portrayals, seeking to understand the environment from a nuanced, human perspective rather than through sensationalism.
The film has already earned recognition on the festival circuit, including a Best Actor award for Dvoinikov at the winter festival, underscoring the strength of its performances and its commitment to character-driven storytelling.
In other news, Askar Nigamedzyanov, who portrayed Rooster in the Bremen Town Musicians adaptation, discussed the challenges of performing in a silicone suit, highlighting the practical realities actors navigate during production.
Earlier reports also noted an anniversary concert honoring Maris Liepa, with Ilze Liepa presenting a program titled My Father Maris Liepa, reflecting the international and cross-disciplinary connections that often accompany contemporary cinema projects.