The hour-long film, titled "It's Just That You Want to Know" -- the name of one of Kino's songs -- had a press screening Tuesday at the Fitil movie theater, where it will be shown to the public starting Dec. 14.
The charismatic leader of Kino died in a car crash in 1990, when he was 28 years old and at the height of his fame. Even today, fans continue to gather at his grave. A wall near the Old Arbat is covered with graffiti devoted to him, and Kino's melodic songs, dominated by Tsoi's unmistakable deep voice, are now being turned into ringtones.
Dmitry Nedzvetsky, the general producer of "It's Just That You Want To Know," said in an interview Tuesday that he had grown up on Tsoi's music, traveling from his native Moscow to St. Petersburg for Kino concerts, though he did not know the musician personally.
Tsoi's widow, Maryana, who died of cancer in 2005, asked him to produce the film when she was already seriously ill, saying, "There is not a single film about Vitya," he recalled.
The singer's 21-year-old son, Alexander, also took part in the project. He will attend the official premiere at Fitil, Nedzvetsky said. The film was made in conjunction with Moroz Records, which owns the rights to Tsoi's music.
"Of course, it's more of a project for the soul, but if it breaks even, I will only be glad," he added, saying the film's budget was a commercial secret.
The film is made of archival footage of Kino performances, with a soundtrack featuring the band's earlier songs, recorded from 1982 to 1987. It also has street scenes of St. Petersburg that have been digitally manipulated to add references to Tsoi's lyrics.
When Tsoi sings "That sweet word 'Kamchatka' / But on this earth I don't see you," the film shows snow-topped mountains at the end of a city street. In the song "Spring," the line "What are the cats singing about in my yard?" is illustrated with a lineup of dancing cats and a cutout of Tsoi himself.
The film was directed by Oleg Flyangolts, who has previously made videos for such bands as Alisa and DDT. He knew Tsoi and used to lend him his apartment in Moscow. "I saw him as God," the director commented at Tuesday's screening.
In addition to the Fitil showings, the film will be shown in St. Petersburg, the producer said. It will also take part in a festival of Russian film in Tel Aviv later this month.
"It's Just That You Want to Know" (Prosto Khochesh Ty Znat) opens Dec. 14 at Fitil, located at 12 Frunzenskaya Naberezhnaya. Metro Park Kultury. Tel. 246-5003/0298.
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