The acclaimed Russian director Andrei Zvyagintsev (mostly known for his internationally acclaimed film THE RETURN, 2003) presented his latest film, ELENA (2011) last week at the 52nd Thessaloniki Film Festival (TIFF). ELENA held its world premier at the 2011 Cannes Film Festival in the 'Un Certain Regard' category, where it won the Special Jury Prize.

-Vanessa McMahon

"Elena and Vladimir are an older couple, each one from a different social background. Vladimir is a wealthy and cold man; Elena comes from a modest milieu and is a docile wife. They met late in life and they both have children from previous marriages. Elena’s son is unemployed, unable to support his own family and constantly asking Elena for money. Vladimir’s daughter is an indifferent young woman who has a distant relationship with her father. A heart attack puts Vladimir in the hospital, where he realizes that his remaining time is limited. A brief but somewhat tender reunion with his daughter leads him to make an important decision: she will be the only one to inherit his money. Back home, he announces this to Elena. Her hopes to financially help her son suddenly vanish. The shy and submissive housewife will then come up with a plan to give her son and grandchildren a real chance in life."

-Summary by TIFF PRESS-

photos by Dimitra Fourkalidou

Andrey Zvyagintsev