Showcase of Yakutian Cinema Held in Paris

Showcase of Yakutian Cinema Held in Paris

In August, the Russian Spiritual and Cultural Centre (RSCCC) in Paris will host a month-long event dedicated to Russian cinema. This event, organised in collaboration with the Yakutia Association of Filmmakers and the company 'Sakhafilm', will showcase a selection of contemporary Yakutian (Sakha) films, often referred to as "Sakhawood".

The retrospective opens with the drama "White Steamer" (2024) by director Inga Shepeleva. This film, based on respect for Yakutian mythology, nature, and spirit, tells a story about the connection between a person and nature, memory passed down through generations, and finding one's own path amidst myths and reality. The film's producer, Yanа Buriak, stated that they aimed to convey the spirit of the Sakha Republic, its unique culture, and its language of images, understandable to viewers anywhere in the world.

Five contemporary films shot in Yakutia will be showcased as part of this event. Among them is the sports drama "Triumph" (2024) by Mikhail Lukachevsky, scheduled to be screened on August 5. Yakutian cinema tells timeless themes like love, family, or connection to nature through the prism of local traditions, but in a modern language.

Yakutian cinema benefits from strong local institutions and trained talent. The Institute of Theatre, Music and Cinematography in Yakutia has produced many actors and filmmakers who have significantly contributed to this cinematic renaissance, fostering an explosion of Yakut cinema through graduates working in local theaters and film studios. NVK Sakha, the largest media company in the republic, supports this industry by producing and streaming films and television content in Yakut and other local languages, amplifying the visibility of Yakut culture.

Many contemporary Yakut films are inspired by or incorporate elements from Olonkho, the ancient Yakut heroic oral epic tradition. This tradition, with its extensive epic poems narrating heroic feats, provides rich narrative material deeply rooted in Yakut identity and worldview. The tradition itself is a unique cultural foundation for storytelling on screen.

Yakut cinema today reflects the interplay between tradition and modernity, often portraying indigenous identity, nomadic heritage, and local cultural practices while engaging with global cinematic trends. This synthesis has helped Yakut films gain popularity both domestically and abroad, often spotlighting issues like indigenous rights and regional autonomy in subtle narrative forms.

The comedy-drama "Yt" (2021) by Stepan Burnashev and Dmitry Davydov will close the retrospective at the RSCCC on August 26. The film is appreciated for its deep authenticity and sincerity, a trait shared by all the films in this event. An active film community has formed in Yakutia, working with minimal resources but with enormous involvement.

"White Steamer" is part of a wave of genuine, living cinema that resonates with audiences worldwide. It, along with the other films in this retrospective, offers a unique perspective on Russian cinema, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and modern storytelling of Yakutia. The RSCCC's event promises to be a celebration of this vibrant and authentic cinematic movement.

[1] "Sakhawood: Contemporary Yakut Cinema" - Sakhafilm Official Website [2] "Yakut Cinema: A Renaissance in the Far East" - The Moscow Times [3] "Olonkho: The Epic Tradition of Yakutia" - Yakutia24 [4] "Yakut Cinema and the Struggle for Indigenous Rights" - The Siberian Times

1. The upcoming event at the Russian Spiritual and Cultural Centre (RSCCC) in Paris will feature a selection of contemporary Yakutian (Sakha) films, known as "Sakhawood," showcasing a unique blend of culture, tradition, and modern storytelling in the realm of entertainment.
2. Social media platforms and fashion-and-beauty blogs have been buzzing with conversations about the upcoming film "White Steamer" (2024) by director Inga Shepeleva, a dramatic depiction of the connection between a person and nature that reflects Yakutian mythology, nature, and spirit.
3. In addition to movies-and-tv events, lifestyle magazines have highlighted the renaissance of Yakut cinema owing to strong local institutions, trained talent, and modern interpretations of timeless themes rooted in local traditions, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in fashion-and-beauty, culture, or entertainment.

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