goEast Presents: FREE FLOATING (Svobodnoe plavanie)

In December the festival presents Boris Khlebnikov’s drama FREE FLOATING (Svobodnoe plavanie, Russland 2006). Peppered with comedic elements the director portrays the daily routine of an ordinary, provincial town in Russia.

20-year old Ljonja lives near the Volga in a typical Russian small town with just one kindergarten, one school, and one factory. Ljonja’s life is preordained by the given circumstances. Accordingly, he starts to work in the factory but it is closed down shortly after. Suddenly, the predictability of his existence gives way to an uncertain future and for the first time in his life Ljonja has to make his own choices and define his personal goals.
He finds several jobs but won’t stick long to any of them till he starts as an apprentice in a brigade of road workers. In the beginning, Ljonja is impressed by his new boss’ attitude. Mr. Roslov seems to be an affable and extraordinary man but turns out to be a crook who is involved in illegal business. Meanwhile Ljonja meets his old classmate “Piggy” and falls in love with her. Unfortunately, the happy relationship is troubled by Mr. Roslov‘s criminal activities and Ljonja is forced to make a decision. Will the love between Ljonja and Piggy endure?
The second feature film by director Khlebnikov was presented at the Venice Filmfestival and received multiple awards.

14.12.2010, 8 p.m., Caligari FilmBühne Wiesbaden, OV with English subtitles
Introduction: Markus Reuter