Russian Coming-of-Age Drama 'Sea Sons' Makes Its World Premiere at SIFF

Three boys set out across Russia in search of a legendary plant called balsam, and the people and trials they meet on the way to the sea steadily reshape what heroism means to them.

The black-and-white coming-of-age story, "Sea Sons," made its world premiere at the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival, where its cast and crew met the press on June 15.

The film is one of the festival's Golden Goblet Main Competition contenders – a lineup that this year, for the first time, consists entirely of world premieres. Director Daniil Merkulov also stars in the film.

Addressing questions about the film's English title, which differs from its original Russian title, Merkulov said the change was intended to create a distinctive identity for international audiences.

"One of the characters in the film notes that the word 'seasons' can be divided into 'Sea' and 'Sons,' and that became one of the inspirations for the English title," he said.

Merkulov explained that the original Russian title, Leto budet obshchim which means "summer belongs to all of us," is linked to the story's motif of each character choosing a season that best represents them.

Producer and actor Mikhael Lipman described the film's selection for SIFF as a meaningful milestone, noting that Shanghai marks the first international film festival the team has attended with the project.

"Russia and China have a very special bond – a special connection of cultures, people, industries and communication, which makes Shanghai the perfect place for our world premiere." Lipman said.

The filmmakers also expressed hope that "Sea Sons" could secure a theatrical release in China. The team said they would welcome the opportunity to promote the film in the country and bring it to a wider Chinese audience.