''The Way Out'' (russian: Выход) (german: Der Auftritt) is a German-Russian 2015
short film
A short film is any motion picture that is short enough in running time not to be considered a feature film. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences defines a short film as "an original motion picture that has a running time of 40 minutes ...
directed, written and produced by
Mikhail Uchitelev. It premiered in the Short Film Corner of the
2015 Cannes Film Festival
The 68th Cannes Film Festival was held from 13 to 24 May 2015. Joel and Ethan Coen were the Presidents of the Jury for the main competition. It was the first time that two people chaired the jury. Since the Coen brothers each received a separate ...
.
It was awarded the Grand Prix at the International Festival "Reflections of Spirit" in
Erlangen
Erlangen (; East Franconian German, East Franconian: ''Erlang'', Bavarian language, Bavarian: ''Erlanga'') is a Middle Franconian city in Bavaria, Germany. It is the seat of the administrative district Erlangen-Höchstadt (former administrative d ...
, Germany,
the Best Supporting Actor award at The Short Film Awards International Festival in New York,
and the Best Actress award at the
Blow-Up International Arthouse Film Festival.
It was officially selected at the Roving Eye International Film Festival (the partner of the Oscar-qualifying
Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival).
Synopsis
The story unfolds in Eastern Europe during late 1941. Edith (portrayed by Elina Amromina) is a Jewish opera diva concealed from the Nazis by Gustav (played by Alexander Alexeyev), who shelters her in the theater's cellar during the occupation. Despite Gustav's assurances that she is safe, Edith recognizes the danger his help poses to his own life. Fearing for Gustav's safety, she resolves to leave the theater to protect him. Despite Gustav's attempts to convince her otherwise, Edith, consumed by terror, attempts to flee. Although Gustav manages to bring her back, their actions draw the attention of the Nazis. The Nazi commandant (played by Artur Kharitonenko) confronts Gustav, demanding that he surrender Edith or face death. Watching from a corner of the theater, Edith decides to go to the commandant's office and give herself up. Anticipating her move, Gustav tries to stop her, witnessing what he believes to be Edith's murder in the process. Unbeknownst to him, the victim is not Edith, who has instead locked herself in the cellar while she seeks another escape route. The following day, Edith resolves to go to the commandant's office and save Gustav's life. With the theater completely cordoned off, she sees only one possible route to safety.
Cast
* Elina Amromina as Edith Goldschmidt
* Alexander Alexeyev as Gustav, a theater director
*
Aleksey Morozov as Tenor
* Tatiana Ryabokon as Make-up artist
* Artur Kharitonenko as SS commandant
Reception
''The Way Out'' received generally positive reviews and the ''Saint Petersburg Evening Post'' praised the work for effectively using its 33-minute length to its advantage. A reviewer for ''
Jüdische Rundschau
''Jüdische Rundschau'' (Jewish Review) was a Jewish periodical that was published in Germany between 1902 and 1938. It was the biggest Jewish weekly publication in Germany, and was the organ of the Zionist Federation of Germany.
History
The ''JÃ ...
'' gave a favorable review for the work, comparing it positively to
Caravaggio's masterpieces. The ''Gazeta Strela'' also had praise for the film, which they felt told its story in a "heartfelt and intimate manner". The film has been officially presented at the Russian Pavilion at the Cannes Festival and this event has been covered by ''Proficinema''. and also by ''ROSKINO''. The film received a positive review at the TMFF.
References
External links
*
kino-teatr.ru website
{{DEFAULTSORT:Way Out, The (2015 film)
2015 films
2015 short films
2010s Russian films
2010s Russian-language films
Russian short films
Russian war drama films
Russian World War II films
Holocaust films
German drama short films
Films set in a theatre