Plot synopsis

This film anthology, produced by students of the VGIK film school, consists of four short films (“The Old Teacher”, “The Slow Walker”, “Tatyana-Boris-Tabor”, “The Chukchi March”), the meaning of which is most accurately captured in the lines of Bella Akhmadulina: “Here is a man – unknown to you, yet this man is your friend...” Bella Akhmadulina’s poems, recited by the poet herself, are heard throughout the film anthology, commenting on and linking the short lyrical sketches.

“The Old Teacher”
A story about a village teacher who passed on his knowledge and love of the natural world to his pupils.

“The Slow Walker”
> “Slow Walker” – that’s what the villagers called the milk lorry driver. But this shy and quiet lad, without a moment’s hesitation, risks his life to prevent a disaster.

“Tatyana-Boris-Tabor”
About secondary school pupils who are keen on go-kart racing. One of the teenagers steals a lorry. The investigator helps the protagonist realise the seriousness of his offence without pressing criminal charges.

“The Chukchi March”
The leader of the student construction brigade – a dry and power-hungry man – learns a lesson in kindness and respect for others from his teacher.

Selected in the following festivals or events :

- Contemporary Russian Poets and Russian or Soviet Cinema, (kinoglaz.fr), 2026

Photos, videos, texts

Стихи, написанные и прочитанные Беллой Ахмадулиной
Poèmes écrits et récités par Bella Akhmadoulina
Poems written and recited by Bella Akhmadulina


00:27

Друзья мои, стемнело в зале,
и разминуться нам нельзя.
Я вас не знаю, но нельзя
не звать вас — верю, что не зря
едины мы в пространстве этом,
как его чистейший круг.

Друзья, любуйтесь белым светом,
лицами людей, их лиц и рук.
Вот человек — он вам не обязан,
но этот человек — ваш друг.


Mes amis, la salle est plongée dans l’obscurité,
et il nous est impossible de nous manquer.
Je ne vous connais pas, mais il m’est impossible
de ne pas vous appeler — je crois que ce n’est pas en vain
que nous sommes unis dans cet espace,
comme dans son cercle le plus pur.

Amis, contemplez la blanche lumière,
les visages des hommes, leurs visages et leurs mains.
Voici un homme — il ne vous doit rien,
mais cet homme est votre ami.


My friends, the hall has grown dark,
and we cannot pass one another by.
I do not know you, yet I cannot
but call to you — I believe it is not in vain
that we are united in this space,
like its purest circle.

Friends, behold the white light,
the faces of people, their faces and their hands.
Here is a man — he owes you nothing,
yet this man is your friend.


18:30

Мир добр к тебе. Но если вдруг не можется,
да будет утешением твоим,
что на земле людей такое множество,
и каждый человек неповторим.

Он призван был землёй благословенной,
чтоб стать её строением и творцом.

Лицом земля обращена ко Вселенной
прекрасным человеческим лицом.


Le monde est bon envers toi. Mais si soudain tu n’y parviens plus,
que ceci soit pour toi une consolation :
sur la terre, les hommes sont si nombreux,
et chaque être humain est unique.

Il a été appelé par la terre bénie
pour devenir son édifice et son créateur.

Par son visage, la terre se tourne vers l’Univers
— un beau visage humain.


The world is kind to you. But if suddenly you cannot go on,
let this be your consolation:
there are so many people on earth,
and each human being is unique.

He was called by the blessed earth
to become its structure and its creator.

With its face, the earth turns toward the Universe
— a beautiful human face.