Aided by assistance from a benevolent government, a team of energetic, young Russian scientists in a small startup at the Skolkovo Innovation Center suddenly discover the cure to cancer. It’s a monumental breakthrough, but what follows next is a bitter struggle over the patent rights, and the scientists find themselves beset by American Big Pharma and Russian oligarchs. Then, one of the scientists is falsely accused of murder, and it’s up to a small-time prosecutor to uncover the diabolical scheme.
This is the plot of a new film, titled “The Patent,” a detective drama now in production, with funding from Russia’s Culture Ministry.
“Our film is about a moral choice,” Vasily Zverev, the general producer told the website Rusbase. “What do you do in this difficult situation? Chase personal enrichment, or listen to the voice of your conscience?”
Several scenes in the movie are reportedly being filmed at the Skolkovo Innovation Center, a technology business area outside Moscow, where corporations and individuals are “hosted” with state financial assistance.
The center was first announced in late 2009 by then President Dmitry Medvedev, whose presidency focused on reviving Russia’s entrepreneurial spirit.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
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 every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
