Russian Snark

“A Python-esque comedy that isn’t afraid to take the mickey out of both Kiwi and Russian serious art.”~James Croot, The Press

Aroview: A pair of Russian refugees settle in Auckland to make art and a new home in this eccentric yet accessible 'art comedy' from screenwriter and playwright-turned-director Stephen Sinclair.

Lacks a certain finesse that is not helped by the miniscule budget, but it's conceptually sound and redeemingly well cast, with Stephen Papps making a convincing Russian (in both accent and tongue) alongside authentic Russian-Kiwi beauty, Elena Stejko. Less a comedy than a drama that doesn't take itself too seriously - which is only a flaw according to one's taste - it explores the time-honoured tensions between art and commerce, and freedom and responsibility, with diverting wit and sincerity.

NZ International Film Festival 2010