I'm crazy about cinema especially European cinema. My specialization is British cinema but mostly it doesn't matter I can discuss any films and directors.
To me cinema is a form of synthetic art. In my opinion cinema does not imitate life, as Aristotle (the Greek philosopher) said that the meaning of art gives us an opportunity to explore life in different ways such as; literature, music, theatre and painting. I’ve chosen my professional sphere as a film critic or film scholar therefore I am able to learn so much from studying in this field. I can attend a lecture about “Modernism in British literature” or even “post-war French literature” and etc.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Once I saw an article in a W magazine (I'm not that into fashion but still) and there was a video where they asked a few people from the fashion industry to describe “Moscow” (my hometown) in one word. One person from the article said “cold” another said “beautiful” another said “impossible” one man even used three words – “out of control”. This article made me curious so I started my own personal investigation and asked people who I knew and who weren't born in Moscow what word would they use to describe my city. I heard a lot of interesting words like “uncomfortable”, “chaotic”, “a beehive”, “money” and a funny one “Zvyagintsev”.
I thought the best word to describe my city was “lonely”. Yes of course there are many clubs, concerts, theaters, cafés, cinemas and restaurants. There is always something to do or something to see in a big city like Moscow, but I think these things are just a huge mask covering the face of a big city. Life in a big city can be extremely lonely because in big cities you don’t really feel that you are part of a local community. These kinds of thoughts gave me an idea to try and understand lots of different towns and cities, atmosphere and citizens. What are they like? What do they like to do? Etc. Moreover, I desire to ask them the same question from the W magazine; “Which one word would they choose to describe their city?”

Interests

I'm also very keen on English history and am more than happy to pick up a book about the Victorian Era and read for as long as I can.
Cinema has became more than a just hobby for me. Films can open the doors to something ne which have yet to be discovered by ourselves or society as a whole. For instance, if you want to understand the film “Breathless” by Jean-Luc Godard you should know your French history and have some form of opinion about the May 1968 events in France. The reason for this is the director practically predicted these events in his movie. Another example is being able to see the allegories of Thatcherism in Peter Greenway’s films even if you’re not familiar with this particular period in British history. These examples are but a drop in the water on how cinema can open our lives up and expose us to something new.

• arts
• literature
• photography
• film making
• music festivals
• film festivals
• music
• live music
• art history
• history
• languages
• cinema
• film photography
• theatre
• film
• cinematography

Music, Movies, and Books

I'm into British indie ofc (The Smiths, Suede, The Stone Roses, Pulp, The Cribs, Blur, Oasis, Arab Strap, Franz Ferdinand and etc)
I wasn't usually interested in techno music but once I wrote a huge article about electronic music in Danny Boyle's movies I decided I need to explore this fields as well. So my favourite techno band is Underworld. I've seen them live three times. Even in Gent (Belgium) where the biggest techno festival was located ("I love techno" festival). I like The Knife, Nero and etc.
Also I'm interested in synthpop such as New Order, Gary Numan, Bronski Beat (so mainstream). Oh I like one Scottish band Chvrches (they are nice)
My favourite movie is "The loneliness of the long distance runner" by Tony Richardson. It's quite difficult to name one movie because there is a bunch of films that must see. So it's better to say the name of some directors. I'm quite a fan of Mike Leigh and Ken Loach (and they are completely different!)
And ofc Danny Boyle because his narration and visuality are unique.
My favourite writer is Irvine Welsh. I'm so fond of his world which is real and at the same time isn't. Also I like classic literature (French, English and American mostly oh and Russian ofc. "War and Peace" is still favourite novel but I disagree with the author a lot).

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you Russian a bit (but it's really difficult language). I can give a lecture about the world cinema or Russian cinema (yeah we have some films). Maybe instead you can share your knowledge about you national cinema with me! I'm kidding It's not the most important part (is it?). Sharing cultural experiences is important.
Don't be afraid if I offer you a photoshoot because I like film photography.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I usually bring the special Russian bread with me. It's tasty!

Countries I’ve Visited

Belgium, Germany, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom

Countries I’ve Lived In

Russian Federation, United Kingdom