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Parallels

Parallels is about complex mother-daughter relationships, growing up, acceptance, fighting for your dreams, and most of all — love.

The film follows Lena Samoilova — a headstrong and creative teenager in suburban Russia who is figuring out who she wants to become. One thing she knows for sure — to live a creative life. While seeking the support and approval of her conservative parents, she receives news that makes her reconsider what's important in life.

Tonally, the film is a combination of tension in Lady Bird, the longing and dreaming of Begin Again, and ultimately, a tragedy in the vein of My Sister’s Keeper.

  • Kate Surinskaya
    Director
  • Kate Surinskaya
    Writer
  • Kate Surinskaya
    Producer
  • Alexander Averkiev
    Producer
  • Kristina Korbut
    Key Cast
    "Lena"
  • Lilian Navrozashvili
    Key Cast
    "Anastasia"
  • Artem Kretov
    Key Cast
    "Vladimir"
  • Kate Surinskaya
    Key Cast
    "Young Anastasia"
  • Oxana Kharlamova
    Key Cast
    "Evgenia"
  • Elizaveta Shchekina
    Key Cast
    "Natasha"
  • Mikhail Zemlyakov
    Director of Photography
  • Carla Roda
    Editor
  • Lightbender, LLC
    Color
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Coming-of-age
  • Runtime:
    29 minutes 41 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    April 24, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    17,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Russian Federation
  • Language:
    English, Russian
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Black Magic 6K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Kate Surinskaya

As a kid, I loved to connect with other kids by acting out scenes from movies and TV shows I admired at that time. There were no right or wrong scenarios, rules, or ways to play - we just did. And we felt free. It took me to a place where nothing was impossible. Years later, I still live by the same principle: through hard work and determination, I moved from a small town to the city of my dreams and continue to connect with people on stage and on screen. I want to inspire people to be brave and go for their dreams --

that is why I act and direct.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Parallels is dedicated to all the mothers out there — strong women, loving and tough. And especially to my late mom, who died from cervical cancer. I want to shed light on the life of a teenager with hopes and dreams but who is now forced to grow up when tragedy strikes. I will also show what life was like in Soviet Russia and in post-Soviet Russia.
This film brought together a diverse cast and an international team: Russian production folks, Spanish and American postproduction, and even an Austrian composer!