The Russian House in Brussels has launched a film screening series dedicated to the 135th anniversary of the birth of the great Russian writer and playwright Mikhail Bulgakov. As part of the anniversary programme, the Russian House Cinema Club is introducing audiences to film adaptations of the writer’s works, whose creative legacy holds a special place in 20th-century Russian literature and continues to attract audiences around the world.

The first film in the series was the acclaimed adaptation of Bulgakov’s novella «Heart of a Dog», directed by Vladimir Bortko in 1988. The leading roles were played by Yevgeny Yevstigneyev and Vladimir Tolokonnikov. The film takes viewers to Moscow in 1924, where Professor Preobrazhensky conducts a bold scientific experiment that causes his test dog Sharik to begin transforming into a human being. However, the emergence of Sharikov forces the professor to confront the unexpected and disturbing consequences of his experiment.

«Heart of a Dog» is one of the best-known film adaptations of Bulgakov’s works. Vladimir Bortko’s film preserves the satirical tone of the original novella and offers a fresh perspective on the questions raised by the writer concerning human nature, responsibility for scientific discoveries, the limits of interference with the natural course of life, and the consequences of attempts to create a “new human being.” Combining outstanding acting performances, a distinctive atmosphere and a strong literary foundation, the film has become a notable work of Russian cinema.

The anniversary series will continue on 15 October with a screening of «Morphine», directed by Alexei Balabanov (2008). The film is based on Bulgakov’s early stories and tells the story of 23-year-old doctor Polyakov, who finds himself working at a provincial hospital in 1917. The leading roles are played by Leonid Bichevin and Ingeborga Dapkunaite. The film will be screened in Russian with English subtitles. Age rating: 18+.

Registration: https://rushouse.be/event/cinema-club-classics-morphine/

The screening series marking Mikhail Bulgakov’s 135th anniversary continues the Russian House Cinema Club’s tradition of introducing Belgian audiences to Russian cinema and Russia’s literary heritage.