Exclusive interview with director Yuri Semashko has been published on Cineuropa. The interview, conducted by Veronica Orciari, delves into the creative inspirations, artistic struggles, and personal experiences that shaped this unique film. 

In the conversation, Semashko discusses the origins of the film, which blends political tension, musical exploration, and mythical elements into a compelling narrative. He reflects on the personal question that inspired the project: Why continue making art when the world is falling apart? Instead of telling a filmmaker’s story, he chose to center the narrative around a musician, Fedor Ozerov, whose creative struggles unfold against a backdrop of looming global crisis.

Semashko also shares insights into his creative process, likening scriptwriting to mining for gold—an arduous journey that occasionally yields moments of enlightenment. He speaks about working remotely with composer Sinie Gory, the challenges of multitasking as a writer, director, editor, and production designer, and the deeply personal choices behind key elements like the now-iconic daisy sweater.

The interview highlights how Semashko found his lead actor, Viachaslau Kmit, in the Belarusian underground music scene and built his cast through social media outreach and theatre connections. He also addresses the inevitable political undertones of the film, emphasizing that while he did not intend to make a political statement, reality inevitably seeped into the story.

Read the full interview on Cineuropa: https://cineuropa.org/en/interview/474016/