Screening: Taxi Blues by Pavel Lungin

Screening: Taxi Blues by Pavel Lungin

ARCC introduces a series of Russian-speaking films rarely or never seen in the UK. These films will be introduced from a transcultural perspective. We encourage our members and audiences to move away from revivalist narratives of origin, nation, and belonging and to reflect critically on vicissitudes of history and art in Russian-speaking space – both inside and outside Russia. We emphasise interconnectedness and complexity of experiences that shape individual and collective imaginaries and the importance of a continuous scholarly and artistic dialogue.

Taxi Blues is a 1990 Soviet drama film directed by Pavel Lungin. It was entered into the 1990 Cannes Film Festival where Lungin won the award for Best Director. The film was selected as the Soviet entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 63rd Academy Awards, but was not accepted as a nominee.

Shlykov, a hard-working taxi driver and Lyosha, a saxophonist, develop a bizarre love-hate relationship, and despite their prejudices, realize they aren’t so different after all.

The screening will be preceded by a presentation starting at 6.00 PM and may last up to 45 minutes.