Emir Kusturica in Yugra: meeting with the director and a look at contemporary cinema
A meeting with renowned director Emir Kusturica was held at the National Centre RUSSIA in Khanty-Mansiysk. Participants learned about his creative journey, sources of inspiration and his view of contemporary cinema.
"You know, I have never chosen the easier path. I have always chosen the difficult one — the one with challenges," said Emir Kusturica, answering a question about how he chooses his projects.
During the conversation, the filmmaker spoke about his approach to the shooting process. According to him, a cinematographer is not merely a technical specialist but the director’s eye through which the film is created. He emphasised that every frame must feel alive and engage the viewer, shaping a coherent perception of the story.
Participants were also interested in how the director sees contemporary cinema. Kusturica noted that today films are often watched on phones and streaming platforms, which changes the viewer’s perception. In his view, it is important to preserve the integrity of a film and its emotional impact.
He stressed that the most important thing for a debut filmmaker is not to focus on the market or commercial success but to create films they can be proud of.
"A film is a game, and your task is to preserve the soul of cinema," said Emir Kusturica.
Participants also asked questions about the director’s personal life and inspiration. He spoke about the influence of cultural roots on creativity and about the importance of finding new forms of self-expression. According to him, attention to characters and their inner world helps create powerful stories that resonate with audiences.
The conversation also touched on the challenges of filmmaking. Kusturica admitted that filming can be exhausting and sometimes requires pauses in order to preserve quality and the director’s own vision.
At the end of the meeting, the director addressed the younger participants. According to him, their task is to create new cultural projects and restore for audiences the value of true cinema. He emphasised that honesty towards the story and the viewer is more important than any trends.
The meeting with Emir Kusturica became an important part of the programme of the "Spirit of Fire" festival, giving participants the opportunity to see how an authorial vision is formed and to draw inspiration from the master’s personal story.
News about the National Centre RUSSIA in Khanty-Mansiysk is available in the official accounts on VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, MAX and Telegram.
The final rehearsal is over, and the students are ready to present to guests the main exposition of the National Centre RUSSIA.
A large-scale exposition "Geography Lessons" is preparing to open at the National Centre RUSSIA — a journey through centuries along the maps of our country.
