WARD #6
Karen Shakhnazraov (Russia, 2009)
READ FULL REVIEW

OFFICIAL ENTRY - RUSSIA - BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
2010 ACADEMY AWARDS

A bold and modern update to the famed Anton Chekhov story, WARD #6 is based on the true story of a mental ward doctor checking into his own hospital. The gradual estrangement of Dr. Andrey Ragin was used by Chekhov as a metaphor for man’s disappointment with the promises of science; in director Karen Shaknazarov’s version, (based on a screenplay he co-wrote with Alexander Boraadyansky) that disappointment might be read as an increasing loss of faith in the nation’s future. Shot in a real asylum in a vibrant, documentary style, the film was made in a record four weeks time and has gone on to be a major box office and critical hit in Russia, in addition to becoming the nation’s nominee for Best Foreign Language Film in the 2009 Academy Awards.

"Fragmenting Chekhov's descriptions and putting them into the mouths of characters in mock interviews, juggling chronology, inserting silent home movie footage and finally abandoning narrative altogether, the director deconstructs Chekhov to dazzling effect..."
- Ronnie Scheib, Variety

"WARD #6" PLAYS AS PART OF THE
CELEBRATING CHEKHOV SERIES AND IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SHORT FILM "EL COCHERO"

2010 marks the 150th anniversary of Anton Chekhov's birth. One of the most celebrated figures in the history of literature, his works still remain of great importance. 2010 also marks the 10th anniversary of Seagull Films, a company that during the decade since its formation has serviced North American audiences with the best of Russian cinema - named after the writer's famous play The Seagull. 

Celebrating Chekhov is a surgically selected package of Chekhov's finest filmic adaptations, and provides a deep cinematic look into the master's work at its best.

ALL CELEBRATING CHEKHOV FILMS PLAY TWICE ONLY

Presented by Seagull Films in collaboration with National Gallery of Art and Concern Mosfilm. Special thanks to Karen Shakhnazarov. Learn more HERE.