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Alexander Rodnyansky: Bridging Hollywood and Eastern Europe Amidst Adversity - Interviewed by M. Chiara Duranti

 Alexander Rodnyansky: Bridging Hollywood and Eastern Europe Amidst Adversity - Interviewed by M. Chiara Duranti
On the first day of Natpe Budapest, Formatbiz's chief editor, M. Chiara Duranti, had the honor of interviewing one of the most interesting and influential film directors and producers, Alexander Rodnyansky. 
In this exclusive conversation, Rodnyansky shared insights into his remarkable career, the challenges he's faced, and his vision for bridging Hollywood and Eastern Europe through impactful storytelling.

At the ninth company he founded, Alexander Rodnyansky has been committed to creating content that resonates universally, beyond localized boundaries. His journey took a dramatic turn with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. On the second day of the war, Russia's Minister of Defense demanded his eradication, forcing Rodnyansky to leave the country immediately. His outspoken stance against the war led to his arrest in absentia and ongoing legal battles, with a potential sentence of 8 to 10 years of imprisonment looming over him.

Despite these challenges, Rodnyansky has redirected his focus entirely to the American market. His company, which has a first-look deal with Apple, is actively developing several television shows and movies. Preferring independent financing over direct collaborations with global services, Rodnyansky retains significant control over his projects. This year alone, he has eight movies in production, including projects with notable filmmakers like Laszlo Nemes and Cornel Mundruczo.

Among the highly anticipated films is At the Sea, starring Amy Adams and Murray Bartlett, directed by Cornel Mundruczo. The film explores the dramatic journey of a former dancer and current choreographer who inherits her father's dance crew and struggles to rebuild her life. Another significant project is Butterfly Jam, the English-speaking debut of director Kantemir Balagov, adapted to incorporate elements of the émigré experience in the United States.

Rodnyansky is also involved in Occupation, directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Miroslav Slaboshpytsky, which highlights the underreported segment of life under occupation during the Ukrainian war. Additionally, Of Dogs and Men, directed by Israeli filmmaker Danny Rosenberg, is set in the kibbutz affected by the recent massacres (October 7, 2024) delivering a strong anti-war message.

Rodnyansky is building a significant project in Los Angeles, aiming to create a bridge between Hollywood and Eastern Europe. His goal is to provide opportunities to talented filmmakers from Europe and Asia, leveraging Hollywood's unparalleled resources. With his extensive experience and connections, Rodnyansky aims to facilitate the production of high-quality, impactful films and television shows.

Despite the threats and legal challenges, Rodnyansky remains undeterred. He continues to speak out against the war, utilizing his social media platforms to document the atrocities and advocate for the truth. His work is driven by a commitment to telling stories rooted in reality and addressing significant human dimensions.

As Rodnyansky puts it, "Fear is a good thing when you can make a change. I can't, I do my life, it's done, they know where I am. And that's how we live." His dedication to his craft and his courage in the face of adversity make him a formidable figure in the global film industry.

Rodnyansky's unwavering commitment to truth and quality storytelling continues to inspire and pave the way for future filmmakers, bridging cultural and geographical divides through the power of cinema.








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