Celebrating seven decades of life and artistic dedication, Alexander Galibin reflects on his enduring passion for storytelling, especially for young audiences, and a career marked by integrity.
September 27th marks a significant milestone for Alexander Galibin, the esteemed Russian actor and director, as he celebrates his 70th birthday. While many might envision a grand, opulent affair, Galibin, ever the artist, chose a more intimate and reflective celebration: a leisurely boat trip along the Moscow River, surrounded by his closest family and friends. This serene setting seems to perfectly encapsulate the director`s approach to his craft: a thoughtful, unhurried journey, valuing depth over fanfare.
A Lifetime Dedicated to the Lens and Stage
For decades, Alexander Galibin has been a prominent figure in Russian cultural life. While his early career saw him command the stage and screen as a gifted actor, it is his journey into directing, particularly in the realm of children`s cinema, that truly defines his recent artistic endeavors. He has carved a niche as a director who believes in engaging young minds with substance, a philosophy evident in his previous works:
- Golden Fish
- Sister
- Marusya Foreva!
- My Terrible Sister
- Adventures of Little Bakha
These films are not merely entertainment; they are narratives crafted to resonate, provoke thought, and foster dialogue between children and their parents—a far cry from the “coloring book entertainment” he subtly critiques.
“Syroezhki”: A Cinematic Expedition to Karelia
On the eve of his jubilee, Galibin proudly announced the completion of his latest directorial project, “Syroezhki” (which translates to “Raw Mushrooms”). This film, based on the novella “Shipwreck” by the late Ksenia Dragunskaya, holds a special significance. Dragunskaya herself entrusted Galibin with her work, believing only he could bring her vision to life on screen. It is a coming-of-age story about two 11-year-old girls, exploring themes of dreams, first love, and the profound importance of realizing childhood aspirations to fuel future endeavors.
The production of “Syroezhki” was an expedition in itself. The crew ventured into the picturesque, often rugged landscapes of Karelia, specifically the town of Pudozh, located 400 kilometers from Petrozavodsk. Here, amidst the natural beauty, they discovered a wooden lighthouse dating back to the early 20th century, which became a central, symbolic element of the film`s plot. “It’s about how important it is for a dream to come true in childhood. That’s when the desire to move forward appears,” Galibin explains, underscoring the film`s core message.
“I am always interested in the person, the child, as an individual. Their arrival into this world is not accidental. It is only important for an adult to guide them correctly. And in our film, a person appears in the girls` lives who will suggest the path, who will fulfill their dream.”
Nurturing New Talent and a Family Legacy
Beyond his active film projects, Galibin remains deeply committed to theatrical pedagogy. He continues to teach at the prestigious Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS) and has recently embarked on a new endeavor, co-leading a course at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography (VGIK) with Vladimir Grammatikov. He expresses genuine satisfaction with his diverse cohort of students, a refreshing perspective in an industry where veteran artists often lament the changing tides of new talent.
Adding another layer to his legacy, his daughter, Ksenia, has followed in his artistic footsteps. A recent graduate of GITIS, she has already made a significant impact at the Taganka Theatre, embracing challenging roles such as Ophelia in Hamlet, Helena in Kafka`s The Metamorphosis, and Dunyasha in Chekhov`s The Cherry Orchard. Her burgeoning career is a testament to the enduring influence and passion for art that runs in the Galibin family.
The Unwavering Pursuit of Meaningful Art
In an era often dominated by commercial blockbusters and high-octane entertainment, Alexander Galibin`s artistic choices stand out. He candidly admits to being selective about acting roles, seeking projects that offer genuine depth and personal challenge rather than mere fame or financial gain. “I work not for money and fame,” he states, “but because I am interested where I am interesting to people not for past merits, but as a person.” This steadfast adherence to artistic integrity guides his work in children`s cinema, where he consciously steers away from “spectacular, superficial” narratives.
His new film, “Syroezhki,” is a “chamber picture” designed to “make you think, stir the heart, and engage the mind and soul.” It’s an acknowledgment that such contemplative cinema may not achieve the colossal box office numbers of a “Cheburashka,” but it aims for a different kind of impact – one that hopefully resonates deeply within the festival circuit and with discerning audiences.
At 70, Alexander Galibin radiates an unyielding zest for creativity. His journey is a quiet, powerful reminder that in the clamor of the modern world, there remains a profound value in art that seeks to connect, to inspire, and to make us truly reflect on the human experience, especially for those just beginning their own grand voyage.
