The Story of Fenist

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This award-winning documentary tells the story of the great Russian puppeteer Igor Fokin who entranced children and adults alike with his memorable performances in Harvard Square – where a stature stands of one of his puppets - from 1994 until his untimely death in 1996.

The Story of Fenist introduces viewers to Fokin and his magical marionettes, who play a main role in his saga. Rich performance footage and insightful interviews with his wife, children, extended family and friends are used to retrace Fokin’s life from his time as a Russian university theater student and at his St. Petersburg studio to his life in New England.

The film includes a parallel story to Fokin’s artistic struggles based on the Russian fairy-tale, Fenist the Bright Falcon, about a magical bird that, overcoming great odds, reaches its star. Two children provide the delightful narration.

Through the eyes of the director, the audience is introduced to the magnetism and charm of Igor Fokin and his puppets. Merging two stories in one, the film brings viewers into the world of beautiful images and metaphors, music and theatre.

Documentary, 48 min., Russian and English (with English subtitles), 2001 and 2011 (revised version)

AWARDS

• Award of Merit for Short Documentary and Creativity/Originality, Indie Fest Awards, 2010
• Official Selection, NewFilmmakers, NY 2010
• Best Director, NYIFVF, 2001

Screenings

• Jim Henson Puppet Film Festival, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), New York, November, 2011
• 64th Cannes Film Festival, France, May, 2011
• NewFilmmakers NY, 2010
• The Center For Puppetry Arts, Atlanta, February, 2010
• NYIFVF, Los Angeles, November, 2001
• Brattle Theatre, September, 2001

Production Team

• Producer/Director/Writer – Yelena Demikovsky
• Videographers – Ali Farhoodi, Sergei Rakhomiagui
• Editor - Chris Lewis

Buy DVD

All the proceeds from the sale of the film go to help support Igor Fokin's widow and children www.igorfokinfamily.org

To pay by check (US orders only): Make check payable to Yelena Demikovsky and mail to Red Palette Pictures, 1133 Broadway, Suite 1505, New York, NY 10010.

For educational or institution orders, please contact: info@redpalettepictures.com.