Monday, February 12, 20246:30 PM - 9:30 PM
James Bridges Theater
The Center for European and Russian Studies (CERS), in co-sponsorship with UCLA Russian Flagship Program, UCLA Department of Slavic, East European and Eurasian Languages and Cultures, and the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, invite you to a screening of Michael Lockshin's blockbuster adaptation of "The Master and Margarita" to be followed by Director Q&A, moderated by Professor Lilya Kaganovsky, UCLA. This event is hosted by the Department of Film, Television and Digital Media and will take place in-person in James Bridges Theater on February 12, 2024, at 6:30 PM. View trailer here. Registration is now closed, all spots have been reserved.
About the Film
American-Russian filmmaker Michael Lockshin’s adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov’s “The Master and Margarita” has reignited interest in this challenging literary work. Featuring Evgeny Tsyganov and Yulia Snigir in the lead roles, with August Diehl as Woland and Claes Bang as Pontius Pilate, the film stands out for its high production values and its potent critique of Soviet authoritarianism. Filmed in 2021, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it was released across Russian cinemas on January 25, 2024. Despite its pre-war filming, the movie sparked significant political controversy upon its release, particularly due to Lockshin’s personal views and the ongoing geopolitical situation. It faced intense scrutiny and aggressive attacks from pro-war Russian propagandists. There were vehement calls for its ban and demands for criminal charges against Lockshin. This reaction highlights the ongoing tension within Russia regarding free expression and criticism of the state. However, the film’s reception among audiences was overwhelmingly positive. It quickly topped the Russian box office, earning more than 1 billion rubles (approximately $11 million) by early February. This success demonstrates the enduring appeal of Bulgakov’s story and the public’s appetite for thought-provoking cinema. Lockshin, previously known for directing “Silver Skates,” Netflix’s first Russian-language original film, has a diverse background in the film industry, including over a decade of experience in directing commercials and music videos. Holding an MA in Psychology and based in Los Angeles, his unique perspective has contributed to the distinctive approach he took in adapting “The Master and Margarita,” blending its historical context with contemporary relevance.
Venue
James Bridges Theater
235 Charles E Young Dr E
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Parking
Parking at UCLA requires a valid permit at all times. Campus parking is available 24-hours a day at varying prices. Parking Structure 3 (P3) is closest to the event venue and offers hourly Pay-By-Space parking. Visit UCLA Visitor Parking for information about where to park and parking rates.
Related Document: Film-Screening-Flyer-qm-n4m.pdf
Sponsor(s): UCLA Russian Flagship Program, Center for European and Russian Studies