The melodrama "Dubravka" (1967) by Radomir Vasilevsky

Description:

Making a children's film is a challenging task for both adults and young actors. This film exudes a unique lyricism, characteristic of Radomir Vasilevsky. It's not just about a "child in the world," but about an individual seeking support—in people, friendship, and kindness. Vasilevsky subtly conveys the emotions of growing up, loss, and first insights. He doesn't force children to "play," but rather helps them be themselves, maintaining a lively, sincere tone on camera. This theme underlies the plot, which became the basis for the directorial debut of renowned cinematographer Radomir Vasilevsky of the Odesa Film Studio, who worked on the classic films "Spring on Zarechnaya Street" and "Come Tomorrow." This melodrama was based on the short story of the same name by Radiy Pogodin and filmed at the Odesa Film Studio in 1967. The plot centers on the story of a teenage girl named Dubravka, who lives by the Black Sea. Carefree games with boys gradually give way to new, incomprehensible feelings, jealousy, and a search for her place among adults. The world of childhood dissolves, paving the way for the first realizations of love, loneliness, and responsibility. Film Crew: Director — Radomir Vasilevsky Screenwriters — Yuri Chulyukin, Radiy Pogodin Directors of Photography — Vasily Kirbyzhekov, Nikolai Lukanyev Production Designers — Evgeny Galey, Pavel Kholshchevnikov Cast: Lina Braknyte — Dubravka Nijole Vikiraite — Valentina Grigoryevna Vitaly Fadeyev — Pyotr Petrovich Kostya Usatov — Seryozha Olya Anikina — Natasha Georgy Slabinyak — Ilya Khomich Sergey Tikhonov — Vovka "Utyug" Mikhail Chernysh — "Zelenka" Viktor Semenovsky — "The Counselor" (Kolya) Alla Vitruk — "The Snow Queen" (Zina Kuritsyna) Ronald Gravis — "The Storyteller" (Yasha) Nina Vilvovskaya - "The Little Robber" (Liza) Olya Semenova - "Gerda" Valery Zubarev - "Kai" (Yura) Georgy Millyar - Old Actor Anton Yuryevich, Postman Katerina Kalinina - Dubravka's Grandmother Anatoly Obukhov - Fan Lev Perfilov - Beach Man Grigory Lampe - Hipster on the Beach The film's exceptional sincerity was given by its brilliant cast, which included both established stage performers (Georgy Millyar, Lev Perfilov) and amateurs. The lead role of Dubravka went to the young Lithuanian actress Lina Braknyte, who had no formal acting training but was already known for her role in the film "Three Fat Men." She later left film, graduated from the history department, and worked for over twenty years in the library of the Institute of History of the Academy of Sciences of the Lithuanian SSR. The role of the beautiful Valentina Grigorievna was played by the Lithuanian actress and singer Janina-Nijole Vikiraitė, who also had no acting training. After this film, she appeared only in a bit part in the film "Risk" (1970), after which she left film. Principal filming took place in the summer of 1966 in Yalta, Crimea. Thanks to successful promotion and the participation of the then-popular actress Lina Braknytė, the premiere of the film, with its unusual plot for its time, caused quite a stir and became a cultural event. Awards: 1967 — Republican Film Festival ▸ Lina Braknytė Prize for Best Actress. For her impressive performance as Dubravka. 1970 — Second Republican Film Festival ▸ Grand Prize for the film. For its artistic integrity, profound psychological exploration of a child's character, and high aesthetics. To this day, the film remains relevant—after all, growing up remains a theme for all times and generations. Odesa Film Studio Telegram channel — Help Ukraine — #LinaBraknyte #NijoleVikiryte #VitaliyFadeyev