The debut Russian-Azerbaijani project SONUNCU (The Last One) - is a philosophical parable by director Sergei Pikalov and producers Maria Ivanova and Nasib Piriev, about the last living veteran of World War II. SONUNCU (The Last one) was one of only 9 short films, selected by the festival committee to participate in the main program. First time in the history of the Cannes Film Festival, Russia and Azerbaijan participated in the main program of the competition with the co-produced short film.
The filmmakers believe that the mere fact of participating in the prestigious international competition - is a big breakthrough for the young cinematograph of the two countries. Now the filmmakers are preparing to participate in the main program of "Kinotavr" Film Festival, MIFF and Palm Springs International Short Film Festival.
Sergei Pikalov, director:
"We shot this movie putting a simple creative tasks, and the main task was - to tell about the World War II without cliches, which are very common to modern cinema. And we have been heard: the participation of SONUNCU (The Last One) in the main program of the 67th Cannes Film Festival has drawn attention to this subject once again, and - it is the biggest reward for us "
Nasib Piriyev, producer:
"The mere fact that we've been in Cannes - is already a victory. To get this incredible experience with the very first feature project - it's not a luck, but the result of the professionalism of the young team, which is willing and able to make a film, intelligible for the people all over the world! Cannes Film Festival for us - is a great opportunity to meet with filmmakers from other countries, to find out what are the trends in today's film industry, to start talking to the same people as we are, on the same language. This festival - is an invaluable experience and remarkable contacts which we plan to develop further. The festival road of SONUNCU (The Last One) only opens: we are waiting for the main part in the program of "Kinotavr", MIFF and “Palm Springs international Short Film festival”.
Maria Ivanova, producer:
"The participation in the 67th Cannes Film Festival and Marché du Film has opened huge opportunities for us, which we are going to implement in the nearest future: we are going to work together with the international partners over the full length projects from our producers case. We are sure that the future of russian cinema lays in the field of co-production, and prove this by our own experience: our film SONUNCU (The Last One) was created by the Russian team and filmed by Russian director and cinematographer in Azerbaijan with local actors. Thanks to co-production this project gained volume and versatility, which allowed to make the story intelligible and close to people of different cultures.
SONUNCU (The Last One) is not simply a movie, it is a remarkable success story for young producers Maria Ivanova and Nasib Piriyev (Buta Films). Having shot and released over 80 documentaries, this accomplished duo has managed to gain entry into the most prestigious film festival in Europe with their first feature film. SONUNCU is their way of proving the benefit of driving a project forward, regardless of the potential challenges.