Valery Todorovsky made a name for himself with crime melodrama set in Moscow, The Country of the Deaf. The film was entered into the 48th Berlin International Film Festival. His 2008 musical film, Hipsters, won the Golden Eagle Award and Nika Award for Best Film. From his earlier films, The Hearse, won the Grand Prix at Mannheim (1990), and Love received the Ecumenical Prize at Cannes (1992). His film Bolshoi is screened at the RFW-17 on the 24th November.

Topic of discussion: "Why are TV series more popular today than feature films?”
Valery Todorovsky is not only known for directing films such as The Hearse, Hipsters, or Bolshoi, but also for co-producing the crime TV series Brigada, followed by his directing debut on TV, The Thaw. He will speak about the growing popularity of TV series as a cinematic genre and discuss what makes one successful.

Valery’s masterclass will  be translated by Alexander Kan, cultural correspondent at BBC and expert in Russian culture.

Price includes sandwiches, teas and coffees. 

Russian Film Week includes world premieres and screenings of contemporary Russian films in cinema theaters in London and other UK cities bringing the best of Russian culture. 2017 is set to be a great year for the RFW featuring a diversified screening programme, a strong educational (masterclasses, lectures, talks) programme, exhibitions, industry events, VIP programme and entertainment.  RFW’s partners this year include the BFI, Science Museum, Synergy University, Regent Street Cinema, Film London, Russian Ministry of Culture and many more.