Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The meeting at TASS was informal and lively. Competition winners—future directors, journalists, and media professionals from Tambov, Voronezh, Tula, Kalmykia, Krasnoyarsk Krai, and many other regions—asked questions without regard for age or status. Karen Shakhnazarov, for his part, answered sincerely, at times philosophically, and at others with paternal concern and a touch of irony. It was not a master's monologue, but a genuine dialogue between generations about what matters most: meaning, values, and the future.
A FILM FOR THE CENTURIES AND THE EPHEMERALITY OF CINEMA
The first question from the young audience was somewhat provocative: if in 100 years only one film remained of Karen Shakhnazarov's entire oeuvre, which one would he want to preserve? The director's answer was unexpectedly modest and thoughtful. He questioned whether anything at all would remain of contemporary cinema in a century.
"Cinema is a beloved pastime, but it's much more ephemeral and quickly becomes outdated than, say, literature. Film is technology. And technology changes rapidly. The younger generation always watches what's available to them here and now."
However, Karen Shakhnazarov still suggested that the film "Courier" might have a chance. The theme of growing up, finding oneself, and conflict with the world of elders is timeless and relatable to any generation.
"This is a film whose theme, I believe, is relatable to any generation. Young people always come into life with their own perspective and want to find their place. I hope humanity will still exist in 100 years. That's the most important thing. And in many ways, this will rest on your shoulders."
Should We Believe in Youth? The Main Deficit Is Reading
The next question logically followed from the first: does the master believe in modern young directors, or is good cinema impossible without extensive life experience?
"Of course I do!" Shakhnazarov replied without hesitation. "I myself came to filmmaking without any particular life experience." However, he immediately identified what he considered a disturbing trend:
"There's one problem I'd like to draw your attention to. You don't read enough. In general. I'm not talking about you personally, but today's youth reads rather little. And that's a big disadvantage. Literature is knowledge. It helps a person, increases their level of education and erudition, and helps them find their place in life."
A director who dedicated his life to cinema unexpectedly placed literature above all else: "When you read, you transform letters into images in your head. This requires intellectual effort. In film, you're presented with a ready-made visual image. Therefore, with all my reverence for cinema, I believe literature as an art form is superior. Make time to read."
When asked to name specific young directors, Shakhnazarov diplomatically responded that he would not single out individuals so as not to offend anyone, but he was confident that talent exists and will continue to exist.
Liliya from Voronezh asked how the director believed modern youth differed from those depicted in "Courier." Shakhnazarov was convinced that there were no fundamental differences in human behavior.
"When you're 17, a three-year difference seems enormous. But when you've lived a long life, you realize that 20-30 years are still very close generations. The main difference is technology. There were no cell phones or internet. And, of course, young people read more back then."
The meeting's moderator suggested that the current generation is more straightforward and fearless. Shakhnazarov disagreed, noting:
"That generation was perhaps more naive. And today's generation, while they read less, knows more. The amount of information on the internet is colossal. But that's also a dangerous thing—the endless stream of news clogs your head, preventing you from developing your own perspective. A person burdened with such information is sometimes less free than someone without it."
SUPERSTITIONS AND RITUALS IN CINEMA
Darya, a future film editor from Krasnoyarsk Krai, asked about professional rituals and superstitions. Shakhnazarov smiled and admitted that he follows old film superstitions, adopted from Soviet cinema.
"I believe in them absolutely. For example, if a script falls or is placed on a soft chair, you must put it on the floor and sit on it. I always do this, even if it seems strange. Otherwise, everything will go to hell."
He shared other rules: whistling and eating sunflower seeds are prohibited on set. And at the beginning of each film, there's a special ritual.
"When you take your first shot, before you say 'stop,' you should smash a plate against the camera's tripod. Then you take the fragment as a souvenir. I advise you to observe these signs, just in case!"
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – A DREAM FACTORY OR THE END OF A PROFESSION?
One of the most pressing questions concerned the future of cinema in the era of artificial intelligence (AI) and short formats. Irina from Kalmykia asked whether cinema risks becoming an elitist art form, like opera. Karen Shakhnazarov believes that this isn't the main danger.
"Artificial intelligence is a serious challenge. It could replace human directors. Humans will remain programmers. I've seen AI generate actors—indistinguishable from real ones. Everything—sets, worlds—could be created on a computer. Then our profession would be in question."
According to the director, a division could occur: there will be mass-market, factory-produced "cinema" from AI that everyone will watch, and there will remain "human" auteur cinema for connoisseurs.
"Cinema isn't exactly 'high' art compared to ballet or literature. It's a mixture of art and industry. And with AI, it could become a mere commodity churned out on an assembly line. That's dangerous. I'm unlikely to live to see it, but your generation will be wondering what to do about it."
When asked if creators would still exist, Shakhnazarov responded skeptically: "Who knows?" He drew an analogy with chess: once upon a time, everyone was sure a machine couldn't beat a champion, but now it's the norm.
"AI will never write The Brothers Karamazov. But the bulk of literature isn't The Brothers Karamazov. AI can write average literature better than most people. If it captures the audience, it will be like humans being educated by machines. That's the real story!"
Canon: Which Books and Films Shape a Person's Personality?
The question of the top five must-read books turned into a veritable lecture on the importance of Russian classics. Shakhnazarov began with the aforementioned The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky ("a book that transforms the mind"), then recommended all of Chekhov ("astonishingly laconic and imaginative") and Tolstoy's Sevastopol Stories, which Hemingway held in high esteem. He also named Pushkin, Lermontov, and Gogol as essentials.
"Russian classical literature is the pinnacle of world literature! It's a tremendous asset to our civilization. By reading, you gain the experience of the greatest minds, become stronger, and navigate life more easily. It's not just a pastime; it's good for you."
When asked about the advantages of Russian literature, Shakhnazarov answered exhaustively:
"No literature has posed such burning, eternal questions as Russian literature. It's more than just literature. It's history, philosophy, and our national epic. Why do we live? What is the meaning of the world? Foreign literature doesn't pose such questions with such depth. Painting and architecture—there were other leaders in that regard. But literature is our unconditional priority."
Regarding cinema, Shakhnazarov, as one of the authors of the list of films for the school curriculum, explained the principle behind its formation: 50 classic directors, two key works from each.
"We chose those who have been 'proven' by time. Very diverse: Gaidai, Tarkovsky, Ryazanov, Mikhalkov, Zarkhi. Their films are already national classics. Watch them all—you won't regret it."
Karen Shakhnazarov also announced the upcoming theatrical release of Andrei Tarkovsky's "Andrei Rublev." Restored by Mosfilm specialists, the famous film will hit theaters in 4K format on February 22.
"THIS DIALOGUE ENRICHED ME"
Concluding the meeting, Karen Shakhnazarov thanked the children not as a mentor to the students, but as a conversationalist.
"Believe me, I'm very grateful. I don't know how useful this was for you, but for me, the meeting was invaluable. Dialogue always enriches both parties. Thank you for your insightful questions and your approach!"
The meeting at TASS was not just an insight into the world of cinema, but also a bridge between eras. Between classic books and artificial intelligence, the experience of masters and the fearlessness of newcomers. The main outcome was the confidence that the conversation will continue. This will be reflected in new films, articles, and media projects by talented young people who, like the protagonist of "Courier," are searching for and will surely find their place in life.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
