A big thank you to Evgenia Obraztsova star of A Frenchman for taking the time for this interview. A Frenchman is featured in the Russian Film Festival.

Why did you accept the invitation to play this role, what was so special for you about it? Why, in your opinion, did such a film and such a story appear?

By the time I was invited to audition for “the Frenchman”, I already had some experience in acting, having played a part in Cédric Klapisch’s “Pretty Women”. But that was at the very beginning of my creative career, back then I was just starting out as a ballerina at the Mariinsky Theater. This time, when Andrei Smirnov (director) was inviting me to cast in “A Frenchman”, I was already a fairly experienced prima-ballerina at the Bolshoi Theater, so they sent me the script. I found it to be very interesting, and got really seized by the story and the character I was to portray. I truly wanted to understand her personality. And when I came to audition, her image was already clear to me. I was flattered to be the only one considered for the role. I never felt anxious or insecure about being a part of this project, on the contrary, I could sense the director was truly interested in having me onboard, he was very supportive. Even though I can’t say the auditioning process was an easy thing for me, it definitely was a very thrilling experience. It’s really amazing, how everything clicked together like this, and that an agent from Paris helped me to be discovered by a Russian director. I knew him through a mutual colleague, Bertrand Normand, a documentary director, who casted me as one the leads in his documentary “The Ballerinas”, back when I was at the early stage of my career. The documentary was about 4 ballerinas of Mariinsky Theatre, and turned out to be a real success in Europe, and that’s how Deni Plana, the agent from Paris I told you about, got to know about me and referred me to Andrei Smirnov. In general, it all was quite a unique thing, because the audition itself took place in a studio close to the Bolshoi Theatre, and gave me some really interesting and memorable experience in my life.

Tell us about your creative journey, what brought you to the film industry, if your experience as a ballet dancer somehow served you in this project? Or, maybe, if it was difficult to rearrange yourself for this new form of performance? Do you think there is something similar between the art of ballet and film? What are the most exciting projects, you’ve been a part of so far (both dancing and cinematic)? Would you be interested in joining any other film projects?

It was never too challenging for me to speak or deliver lines in public, I’ve always felt quite confident doing it, but, of course, at that moment I did not have enough of experience as an actress, lacking freedom in front of the camera. There also were some tricky moments in auditioning and in the very begging of the shooting. Because it was rather an unknown process for me, I did have some experience before, but that was a long time ago, and compared to my part in “A Frenchman” it was really little. Of course, there is a difference between ballet and cinema, but after all, it all is art, and artists in general tend to really understand and feel each other, so it was not difficult for me to comprehend what was it that the director wanted to see in my character. I never needed too many explanations, I have a rather vivid perception, so I could quickly feel into the image we were trying to create, the challenging part was the techniques of portraying the image in the field, which is not my main form of art. This was the most interesting thing about this work. I mean, if it was an ordinary experience or some kind of a known routine for me, I guess, I would not be able to convey anything extraordinary, but in this case, of course I went through the whole range of emotions, feelings and thoughts.

In your opinion, why is it important to organize such online festivals abroad, and how much does it help in promoting Russian films and actors in the international arena?

It is definitely important to open a conversation about the Russian cinema internationally, I mean, we really need to start this conversation about the Russian films, and ballet, and art… There is no other way! As Russian people we should promote our culture in the world. It surely is one of the key responsibilities, if you love your country, and feel proud of its art and talent, this is exactly your mission. Speaking about the online format, I believe films worldwide should resonate with each other. People should be aware of what is going on in the world. You can’t underestimate the importance of it. For me personally its always very interesting to check out what was produced in Europe, and in America, and in Russia. It is great, not only for the comparison, but to deepen your overall life experience and vision. Movies can turn rather visionary. Sometimes you can come across a great film, and later on in your own life you find yourself in a similar situation, which you have already faced through the film. That’s when you recall that you’ve already seen this piece of your future in a movie. I’m talking about really talented and outstanding movies. So, it definitely is a good thing that there are online film festivals, especially in this kind of circumstances, it is good, it is really needed.

What you believe are the key differences between the Russian ballet and the art of ballet in other countries? Why is the Russian ballet recognized as “the golden standard” all over the world?

The key differences between the Russian ballet and the ballet in the rest of the world are, probably, dictated by the Russian national character, our spirituality, and lyricism, that’s how we are as people. As an art form, ballet originated in Italy, and moved to France, but it was us as a nation, who managed to take it to the next level, taking it deep into our hearts. We are very spiritual people. And we could really recognize the deep beauty that was there in this form of art. Because the truth is, we are different from the rest of the world. Our ballerinas are the most graceful and elegant of all, there’s no rational explanation to this phenomenon. I can’t put it simple, really. But if we are talking professional terms, I would say the Russian ballet culture is defined by great academism and “cantilena”, sophisticated harmony. Russian ballerinas are truly harmonious. Everything about them is beautiful – the arms, the legs, the image, the posture, the technique. Other countries don’t always have it all, normally there is a lack of something. For instance, they be really advanced technique wise, but lack that ‘ballet beauty’. So, its all about the national traits mixed up with our natural phenomenality.

Are there any particularly memorable moments (scenes) in “A Frenchman” for you?

Probably, the ballet scenes. They were extremely important for me, because as a professional, I really wanted to portray a ballerina of that very era.

How would you describe “A Frenchman”? What is this story about personally for you? What should the viewers expect from the film?

I find “A Frenchman” to be a very sharp film about those times, 1957, and, yet, very relevant to our current situation. All the matters that we care about today are there too. The life stories, the experiences, the emotions the heroes go through in the movie will definitely resonate with the audience today. This movie does not have that nostalgic vibe, it’s not just like a memory of those days, it’s a story about us, the modern people. It’s a story about who we are as people and the journeys we are having. It shows the essence of what is going on with us today. I personally find the story very interesting. I really dived deep into it, it was very important for me to feel the other characters and their story lines. Plus, I’ve always wanted to have a look at our past and get to understand how people used to live back then. The crucial point for me was to portray a character from the past, who’s journey could appeal to people in the present.

Have you ever worked with your co-stars on any other projects before?

No, this is my first big experience in acting for film, and, I hope to have some new works in the future. Acting requires practice, you know. It challenges you for personal growth, and learning, and discoveries. That’s really priceless about it.