Russians at International Film Festival in Czech Republic

Over 250 films will be shown at the 37th International Film Festival which is opening on Thursday in the Czech health resort of Karlovy Vary.

Among those to vie for the main prize of the festival--the "Crystal Globe" with prize money of 20,000 dollars--will be a film by Russian director Nikolai Lebedev "Zvezda"(Star) based on a novel by Soviet writer Emil Kazakevich devoted to Soviet intelligence officers in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).

The viewers and critics will acquaint themselves with the present-day cinematography of Russia, other East European countries, the CIS and Baltic states in the section "East of the West." Presented in the section "International Premier Show" will be a new film by Russian director Kira Muratova "The Chekhov Motives." The film-goers attending the "Special Show" section will see a picture shot by Russian director Valery Fokin "Transformation" inspired by Franz Kafka's works.

Popular Russian actor and TV anchorman Alexander Strizhenov will bring to Karlovy Vary his debut -- the picture "To Fall Upward." In addition to that, viewers will see the latest film by Sergei Bodrov, Sr., "Sisters." The press service of the film festival reported that Karen Shakhnazarov, General Director and President of the Mosfilm concern and a prominent Russian film director, is expected to come to Karlovy Vary.

The 37th International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary will close on July 13th.