It seems as though Balagov’s application was successful and he is now in the process of attempting to extend his stay in the United States with a more durable O1B Visa. Balagov originally planned to shoot “Monica” in Russia. Now, he’s in the process of rewriting the story and setting it in a Circassian diaspora community of New Jersey. The film will be both English and Russian. I wrote a review for Balagov’s “Beanpole” at Cannes 2019. It’s a fascinating, but madly uneven movie. Regardless, I thought a competition slot would have better suited it that year instead of Un Certain Regard. This next film is definitely on our radar. Contribute Hire me

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