Orthodox Believers Invest in Russia-Themed Hollywood Movies

By The Moscow Times

Aug. 20, 2014

Russian Orthodox philanthropists are set to finance a wide range of Russian-themed Hollywood films, Izvestia reported Wednesday.

Among the first of these films may be a Hollywood adaptation about Tamerlane the Great, a Turko-Mongol conqueror.

Andrei Poklonsky, chairman of the "Russian Club of Orthodox Philanthropists," said in comments to Izvestia that work on the film's script was already underway by Hollywood screenwriters.

The script "blends together a captivating premise, strong characters and major drama," Poklonsky said, adding that "X-Men" producer Ralph Winter had already expressed an interest in the project. The search is on for a director.

American actor Hugh Jackman is being considered for the role of Tamerlane, according to Izvestia.

But the buck doesn't stop with Tamerlane. According to the report, the group is also looking to invest 100 million rubles into the creation of a biopic about Vladimir Svyatoslavich, the prince of Novgorod and ruler of Kievan Rus' from 980 to 1015.

The "Russian Club of Orthodox Philanthropists," established in 2003, unites Orthodox entrepreneurs from various business spheres. Members of the club contribute regularly to the restoration and reconstruction of Orthodox cathedrals and churches, and also donate to children's orphanages, Izvestia reported.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue