In 2011, Englishman Robert Mullan began an almost impossible film
project: namely, to finance and shoot a film in 3 languages -
Lithuanian, Russian, and Polish - neither of which he could read,
write, or speak. Mullan realized that the project would entail him
shooting with Lithuanian actors, in various cities in Lithuania and
Russia, and that he would then be preparing the film with English
subtitles. But, Mullan was undeterred. The project had its genesis
when, while working in Kaunas as a volunteer university lecturer in
psychology, Mullan learned about the relatively unknown Lithuanian
artist and composer, Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis. This man
had produced over 300 paintings and sketches, composed over 300
musical pieces (including two symphonic poems), fought for the
independence of his small nation from the control of imperial
Russia, fell in love with a fellow activist, and then died,
tragically, at the young age of 35. And so began the project.
Mullan decided to keep a diary, not only to record day-to-day
events and thoughts while filming, but also to provide a guide as
how not to finance and produce a feature film. The diary includes
both amusing and less-funny moments, for example: the crew's
encounter with Russian border guards as they entered the country to
shoot some scenes in St. Petersburg * the endless problems with the
translation of the script * continual arguments with co-producers *
the ongoing quest for money and the belief that funds would run out
before the completion of the film * an unexpected diagnosis of
cancer * magnificent music * startling paintings. The film -
Letters to Sofija - was finally completed, edited in London, and
shown in Vilnius, Chicago, and London. The film will be distributed
internationally. This book documents Mullan's experiences in the
making of Letters to Sofia.
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