Østnorsk Film Center Grant to Exiled Russian Director's New Film

Trollfilm and director Anton Dyakov receive vital support for "Gunpowder Man"

Østnorsk Film Center has granted 400,000 NOK for the production of the short film "Gunpowder Man" (Norwegian working title: "Hjerte slår 1-2-3"), directed by Oscar-nominated Russian animator Anton Dyakov. The film will be produced by Trollfilm in collaboration with French production company Les films du Poisson Rouge, if we manage to fully finance the film.

An Artist in Exile

Anton Dyakov, known for his Oscar-nominated animated short film "BoxBallet" (2020), has faced significant challenges in his home country following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The director has taken a clear stance against the war and has consequently experienced censorship and rejection of state funding applications in Russia, leading him to live in exile in France.

In 2022, Dyakov created the short film "I'm Burning!" which he dedicated to all victims of the war, stating "There is no excuse for this war." The film won three awards at a festival in Suzdal, including the audience award, but Dyakov has since chosen to make it freely available on YouTube. The film can be viewed here.

Petr, a solitary baker in a society where human bodies have become commodities for the powerful.

A Universal Message About War's Consequences

"Gunpowder Man" tells the story of Petr, a solitary baker in a society where human bodies have become commodities for the powerful. The film follows his search for meaning and human connection in a world marked by war and exploitation.

Through Petr's journey, the film examines exploitation, betrayal, trauma, and the search for meaning in a system that views ordinary people as disposable. The story reflects on how war corrodes both collective and individual souls, leaving only hollow shells of what were once complete human beings.

Crucial Support in Difficult Times

The grant from Østnorsk Film Center comes at a critical moment for both the director and the project. For Anton Dyakov, who now lives in exile in France due to his anti-war stance, this support represents an opportunity to continue his artistic work with themes that are both universal and highly relevant.

The film blends tragedy, melodrama, and fantastical elements to portray life in a society consumed by perpetual war, using a distinctive visual language that contrasts sterile environments with chaotic war zones.

Gratitude for the Support

Both Anton Dyakov and Trollfilm express profound gratitude for the support from Østnorsk Film Center. This production funding makes it possible to move forward with an important artistic project that addresses themes highly relevant to today's geopolitical situation.

"With production support from Østnorsk Film Center, the project is now closer to production, and hopefully we will see Anton working in Dovre this winter and within a year reach audiences worldwide with its important message about humanity in times of war." says Anita Killi, CEO of Trollfilm AS.

The film's message about human dignity and war's destructive effects resonates powerfully at a time when Europe is once again experiencing war on its territory. Through its poetic visual approach, "Gunpowder Man" transforms one man's tragedy into a statement about the dehumanizing effects of war, political corruption, and systemic exploitation.

International Collaboration and the Future

The production brings together international talent to create a universal story about human value in societies where that value has been forgotten. The collaboration between Trollfilm and French Les films du Poisson Rouge underscores the film's international appeal and relevance.