Synopsis

Elza lives in Kalmykia, in the far south of Russia. The young woman would like to leave her cold husband, a fisherman, and escape from her patriarchal world, but doubts and fear of an unknown future keep chilling the withdrawn protagonist's feet. When her husband disappears in the Caspian Sea, she suddenly has the chance to reconsider her whole life, all her wishes and desires thoroughly. The Gulls brings to the fore the fascinating and yet sombre landscape of a woman who tries to find herself. Director Ella Manzheeva, who comes from the region herself, uses strong symbolisms: impressive shots of the gloomy, icy landscape, open roads and meagre interiors visualize Elza's feelings, while the gulls that provide the title represent infinity and hope. Popular legends even see the birds as the souls of dead fishermen. The first film to be shot in Kalmykia for 25 years also provides rare insights into the Buddhist influenced way of life of Kalmykia's people between tradition and modern age.

Guests

Eugenia Mandzhieva

Eugenia Mandzhieva
Actress The Gulls
In Vienna: October 6-8