Viktor Ginzburg Addresses Leaked Footage of Empire V and Festival Prospects
Viktor Ginzburg, the director of the film Empire V, spoke to viewers via the broadcast program To climb, urging audiences in Russia to refrain from watching a leaked version of the movie. He explained that what had appeared online was an early, unfinished copy that missed several pivotal scenes. According to Ginzburg, this incomplete release could misrepresent the work and disappoint fans who eagerly anticipate the completed vision. He stressed that when a film is still in progress, it is natural for some parts to be missing, and he advised supporters to wait for the full, finalized cut that accurately reflects the director’s intent and the story’s intended arc.
Ginzburg emphasized that the stolen file does not represent the film as it was meant to be seen. He noted that the project is evolving, and its completion will restore the integrity of the narrative, character development, and visual composition that the team designed. The director underscored his hope that the official release will satisfy audiences and critics alike, and he suggested that the delay could ultimately serve the film’s long-term reception rather than undermine it. In his view, Empire V remains a non-political work, focused on universal themes and human experiences rather than current political discourse, a stance he believes will resonate in various markets, including Russia. The film’s team anticipated a public premiere at a festival during the upcoming summer season as a crucial milestone in showcasing the project to international audiences and potential distributors.
According to Ginzburg, the festival premiere will be a cinematic showcase that highlights the artistry and storytelling at the core of Empire V. He indicated that the project aims to engage audiences on an emotional level while maintaining a broad, non-political appeal that can travel beyond national borders. The director expressed confidence that the festival exposure could catalyze a wider distribution strategy in Russia and beyond, with plans to release the complete version once the festival cycle progresses and the market conditions permit. He remained hopeful that the official release, guided by the festival circuit and audience feedback, would strengthen the film’s standing and ensure that viewers experience the movie as it was intended, with all essential scenes intact and properly integrated into the narrative flow.
As the production advances, the team is prepared to align marketing and distribution efforts with the film’s artistic trajectory. The director’s message to fans and industry partners is clear: patience is essential when engaging with a project of this scale, and the eventual release promises a more coherent, compelling experience. The festival premiere is portrayed as a stepping stone toward eventual nationwide and international distribution, allowing audiences to first encounter the complete work in a controlled, celebratory setting. This approach, according to the director, offers the best chance for Empire V to reach a wide audience, gain critical recognition, and provide a faithful representation of the film’s vision. The discussion around the unfinished leak and the festival strategy reflects a commitment to quality and a belief in the film’s long-term potential, a sentiment echoed by those closest to the production and by observers who view the project as a significant addition to contemporary cinema.