2025 | Fiction | 23 min. | Russia | 12+
A former professional biathlete is disillusioned with his life and has no ambitions, but a new charge in the form of a boy with Down syndrome makes him change and find a new meaning in life.
Directors Statement
Of course. Here is the translation of the text about the film "The Shooter" (or "Strelok"). *** "The Shooter" is, first and foremost, a story about a second chance. It's about the importance of not giving up when all seems lost. This is a film about the strength of will that lives inside everyone, and about how some people help others to feel it again. Even at the scriptwriting stage, I had an image of the hero—a spirited boy with a dream who doesn't give up in the face of difficulties and infects everyone around him with his optimism. When I met Vlad Sitdikov, an actor with Down syndrome, I realized that this image turned out to be surprisingly accurate and genuine. He is that very person for whom the word "impossible" does not exist. The filming took place in March at the "Mar'ino" biathlon base in a forest near Moscow. The pre-production period was cut short by two weeks due to the whims of the weather: the snow had almost melted, equipment was breaking down, and the temperature swung from frost to thaw. Vlad could barely stand on skis by the start of filming—instead of five sessions with a professional trainer, we only managed two. Every day he was the first one on set and would say loudly: "The actor is ready!"—this is how every shot began. Despite the cold and fatigue, he never lost his energy and inspired the entire team. For me, "The Shooter" became more than just a film; it was an experience that changed a lot in me. This project taught me that filmmaking is not about controlling everything around you, but about trust. It's not about perfection, but about living truth. It taught me to be more patient, attentive, and kinder. It reminded me that true strength lies in the ability to find joy, even when it's hard. I hope that after watching the film, the viewer will feel the same thing: not pity, but respect for our hero. For people who live with open hearts, never lose their goals, and every day help those around them to see the meaning of life again.
Director: Armen Bagdasaryan
Producer: Alexey Kondrashkin
Сast: Vladimir Kurtseba and Vlad Sitdikov
