"Viktor," a new film starring famed actor and Frenchman-turned-Russian-citizen Gerard Depardieu, hit theaters across the nation Thursday.
The film follows protagonist Viktor, played by Depardieu, as he journeys to Russia to unravel the mystery surrounding the murder of his son. British actress Elizabeth Hurley co-stars as a Russian detective in the English-language film.
"Viktor" was filmed last summer in Chechnya and Moscow. Its world premier was at the Vyborg-based Window To Europe Film Festival in August, according to entertainment news site ScreenDaily. Prior to its nationwide release Thursday, Depardieu presented the film at events in Moscow and the Chechen capital of Grozny.
Depardieu was granted Russian citizenship by President Vladimir Putin in January 2013 following a tax dispute with the authorities in his native France.
He has retained a high profile since his arrival in Russia, where he seems to have a finger in every pie. He has starred in several films, and announced the launches of both a Moscow restaurant and a line of organic vodka.
Though Depardieu is registered in Saransk, the republic of Mordovia's capital city, he also enjoys honorary residency in Chechnya. He owns an apartment in a Grozny highrise, though he told state-run Channel One he would prefer to travel around Chechnya, searching for solace in the solitude of its rural villages.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
