Polish filmmaker Krzysztof Zanussi to shoot next film in Siberia

WARSAW, August 25 (Itar-Tass) - Renowned Polish director, screenwriter and producer Krzysztof Zanussi says cultural ties with Russia should not be cut and plans to shoot his new film in Siberia. “Siberia is very close to me,” Zanussi told ITAR-TASS on Monday, adding that he plans to make his next film with the working title On the Crossroads, as a co-production with Russia and, probably, China, filming in Siberia next year. The film is to be centered on the history of Harbin, a city founded by Russians in East Siberia in the late 19th century, which is now located on the Chinese territory. “That's a place where Asia met Europe,” Zanussi said when explaining the title of the film. “I am writing the screenplay at the moment. It will be ready in a month,” he said. “I hope we will start shooting by the end of 2015. It always takes many months to raise funds.” The veteran director stressed that the uneasy relations between Russia and Europe, which have soured over the situation in Ukraine earlier this year, should not have an impact on cultural ties. “As culture people, we should not stop our dialogue, whether we agree with politicians or not,” Zanussi said. “I made a conscious decision that I will not limit my contacts with Russia.” Learn more on itar-tass.com