In mid-June, the first feature film directed by Stephen Sinclair – celebrated NZ screenwriter (The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers, Braindead, Meet the Feebles) and playwright (Ladies Night, The Bach, The Bellbird) – will be released in cinemas nationwide.
Russian Snark – which Sinclair wrote as well as directed, and was produced by Liz DiFiore – was inspired by the true life experience of a Russian couple who sailed to New Zealand in a tiny converted lifeboat in 1998.
Having reached Godzone, Russian filmmaker Misha (played by Stephen Papps) struggles to further his career, which puts pressure on both his marriage to Nadia (Elena Stejko) and his mental health, until the timely intervention of a young Polynesian neighbour (Stephanie Tauevihi) saves him from himself and his obsessions.
Based on the film’s success so far, it seems he’s succeeded. After debuting at last year’s New Zealand International Film Festival, Russian Snark was nominated in all major categories at the 2010 Qantas New Zealand Film & TV Awards, with Tauevihi winning the award for best supporting actress.
Since then it’s screened at four overseas film festivals, winning Best International Film at the Garden State Film Festival (US) in April.