Cineuropa: "The Swan Song of Fedor Ozerov"
February 18, 2025
Our film "The Swan Song of Fedor Ozerov" continues to capture the attention of the international film community. Cineuropa has published an in-depth review highlighting its unique style, seamlessly blending comedy, drama, and surreal thriller elements.
As film critic Veronica Orciari writes, Yuri Semashko’s film is "an intriguing mix of diverse influences that come together seamlessly, making this micro-budget project particularly memorable." The review emphasizes that despite its technical limitations, the film possesses a clear artistic vision, transforming it into a compelling cinematic statement with the potential to resonate with a broad audience.
Storyline: Between Crisis and Myth
The protagonist, 25-year-old musician Fedor Ozerov (Viachaslau Kmit), has written an album but has never performed live. As the world teeters on the brink of crisis, he sets out to form a band. His search for musicians turns into an absurd journey filled with eccentric characters and unexpected obstacles. However, his main focus is not music but rather the search for his lost daisy-patterned sweater—a personal talisman he believes holds the key to his inspiration.
Contrasting with Fedor is his sister Nina (Violetta Rahachova), a politically engaged activist. Her outlook sharply differs from Fedor’s, who is immersed in his artistic ambitions. Their ideological clashes lead to thought-provoking discussions, raising one of the film’s central questions: is art merely an egotistical escape from reality, or does it hold as much significance as active resistance?
Atmosphere and Cinematic Techniques
Critics highlight the film’s striking visual style, which echoes the whimsical creativity of Michel Gondry. The film oscillates between grotesque yet heartfelt scenes and surreal shifts in perspective. At one point, the story transforms into a free interpretation of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice—reimagined with an ironic yet melancholic twist that surprises and moves the audience.
Despite its radical artistic choices, The Swan Song of Fedor Ozerov remains accessible to a broad audience. Cineuropa describes the film as "an innovative arthouse film capable of engaging different types of viewers." Even its technical imperfections contribute to a distinct "rawness" that enhances its unique charm.
International Recognition
Selected for the Berlinale Forum, the film was co-produced by the Lithuanian company Artbox, the German production house Shoot’n’Post, as well as Belarusian Filmmakers Network and Singo (Lithuania). We are thrilled to see it resonate with audiences and critics worldwide.
Stay tuned for updates and don’t miss the chance to experience The Swan Song of Fedor Ozerov—one of the most distinctive films of the year!