Maxim Khanzhov

Раневская

Silver Skates

1899, the Christmas-time St.Petersburg. Ice-covered rivers and canals of the capital seethe with festive activities. On the eve of the new century those who should not be destined to meet, come together. They are people from different worlds: Matvey, the son of a lamplighter, whose only treasure is his silver-plated skates; Alice is the daughter of a high-ranking official dreaming of science. Each of them has his own difficult life-story, but having accidentally met they rush forward together in pursuit of their dreams.

Bender: Gold of the Empire

The hunt for imperial gold continues. A priceless scepter, a treasure that could secure a worry-free life in sunny Rio de Janeiro for Ibrahim Bender and his young apprentice Ostap, has slipped from under their noses and ended up in possession of Nestor Makhno, an anarchist army commander. Makhno is convinced that the scepter is one of many imperial relics hidden in the area. With mafia, partisans, and officers of the Red and White armies all determined to get their hands on the fabled gold cache, Ostap and his mentor Ibrahim must surpass their own brilliance to outmaneuver their rivals and snatch the prize. And with Ostap’s beloved fair maiden losing her trust in him, he must do everything in his power to win her back and stop her from marrying another man.

Moonshine & Vodka

Spring of 1921. NEP (New Economic Policy) initiation rapidly changes Petrograd which was lifeless after wars and revolution. Marches and hymns are mixed with foxtrot and chanson. Well-dressed people appear on river quays, as well as thugs who are ready to rob them of money. So the chaos starts and it is invincible for police: shops are robed five times per day. Then the criminal world of Petrograd headed by Uncle Kolya comes to defend NEPmen and starts to run a protection racket on them. But not all the NEPmen are ready to pay for these services what makes Uncle Kolya to send his combat groups to these people. The most famous and productive of these groups is the Rodya’s gang. Rodya is former anarchist, sharp thug, fancy pants and ladykiller.

Snow, Sister and Wolverine

He works as a policeman and is engaged in raids on drug dealers. She is a preacher in a secret religious community. One day, he accidentally dials the wrong number and falls in love with the voice he hears. Thus begins this strange connection between two solitudes.

Unprincipled in the Village

General Khadyakov turns sixty. He decides to ditch Moscow for a day and celebrate his birthday in an authentic Russian village with an immersive countryside experience. Fishing, a jolly feast, a visit to the banya, and a farm-style spa - that's the plan, and all of his beloved friends are coming. But the party goes awry: the rich guests manage to turn the whole village against themselves, get into a nasty quarrel and lose all the food.

Bender. The Beginning

Russian Empire, 1919. By a twist of fate, young idealist Osip Zadunaisky meets an infamous con artist and self-proclaimed Turkish subject Ibrahim Bender. A man of pure thought and aristocratic upbringing, Osip would never have associated with a cunning and unscrupulous swindler, but Bender comes up with an offer Osip cannot refuse. A precious royal relic, a diamond-encrusted golden scepter is hidden somewhere in town; Bender needs a partner on his mission to find it, and offers Osip a share of the profit from selling the treasure. And so begins their joint venture, wrought with comical and dangerous twists and turns, where they have to outsmart and outmaneuver officers of the White Guard as well as the local mafia, who also have their eyes on the scepter. As their quest unfolds, Osip is compelled to learn Bender’s tricks of the trade: charming flattery, delicate deception, soft intimidation... as well as brute force.

V2. Escape from Hell

Mikhail Devyatayev, a captured Soviet pilot who leads an escape from a German concentration camp by hijacking an aircraft.

The Poet

Alexander Pushkin is young, brash and adored by high society. He is the star at every ball he attends, his fans revere his poetic talent, and young women dream of winning his attention. However, not even his aristocratic patrons and loyal friends, nor his growing fame can keep him from dueling, getting exiled, and becoming destitute. Only when he meets his true love does he find meaning in life, and his genius develops to make him the legend the world knows today.

The Healing

Lyuba flees her abusive husband for a mysterious retreat with friends. Surreal rituals and haunting visions reveal dark secrets, pushing her to confront a terrifying choice: escape or succumb to a chilling fate.