"The Closest" (directed by Vera Krichevskaya). Screening and discussion with the director in Vienna 10 May 2025

"Echo" invites to the screening of the movie "Close" directed by Vera Krichevskaya and its discussion in Vienna.

The movie tells the story of the last months of the life of Dmitry Zimin, a prominent Russian radio engineer, creator of Vimpelcom, and philanthropist. He passed away by euthanasia on the eve of the Russian army's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, this picture encapsulates all the major events of the 20th century in Russia, becoming a profound family saga.

Zimin, at the age of 88, embarks on his final journey with his closest friend and onetime business partner, Augie Fabela, an American, a serving Chicago police officer. It is through Augie's eyes that we see a century-long historical Russian cycle where Zimin is the main participant and hero; it is through Augie that we see Dmitry Zimin off on his final journey to a Swiss clinic.

The film premiered at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival and at ArtDocFest in Riga in March 2025, where it won the Special Jury Prize.

The screening will be followed by a discussion with the director and moderated by journalist Maxim Kurnikov.