Interview with film producer Michael Skigin
Welcome Mr Skigin we are very excited to have you today with us to discuss about your work.
First off, Who is Michael Skigin and how did the passion for filmmaking begun ?
Michael Skigin was born in St. Petersburg and lived through his adolescence and now in Switzerland. Graduated at the University of St. Gallen with the major in International affairs.
The most interesting aspect of the education was the philosophical one. Especially the question: How do cultures evolve and why do they persist? Having this always in the back of the head Michael stumbled across a Russian philosopher and writer named Solonevich. He was the first to escape a concentration camp in the USSR in 1936, tell the world about the cruel conditions and also predict how the USSR was going to end. The fact that he was an unknown character in Russian history made Michael think hard. It is through stories of heroes of our cultures that we are able to identify ourselves. Michael was resolved to resurrect Solonevich as an important figure by using the tool of documentary film. Through common friends in St. Petersburg Michael approached Sergey Debizhev and fortunately enough our philosophies were aligned. ‘‘The last knight of the Empire“ was filmed at a great pace and was a lot of fun. It was awarded numerous times and is being screened on TV in Russia quite frequently. This project was just the first of many to come by the movie company 2captains, which we created together with Debizhev.
Can you tell us about your previous work ?
The first projects sent a clear historical messages to the viewer and were straight on to widen the horizon in an informative and intrinsic way.’’The last knight of the empire“ as well as ’’Hellish Chaos“ are the manifestations of such approach. We then slowly moved more towards scenic and emotional way of communication with the viewer.’’The hymn to the city“ and ’’Pause“ reflect this way. The more we experienced with those different styles, the more our mission emerged. The last projects have truly shown us what we are capable of and how important it is to have a likeminded team working on each project.
CONVERSATION ABOUT: THE HOLY ARCHIPELAGO
What would you describe as philosophical documentary art style of your film production company ?
Two Captains is a company that has a distinct approach to documentary filmmaking. We do not merely tell stories – we attempt to create powerful imagery that would take root within the souls and minds of our audience. What we care about the most is not the viewers’ instincts and intellect, we believe that art should be directed at the soul. Our philosophy is that of kindness, beauty, and virtue. Our motto is “Faith, hope and charity”!
Talk to us about your film? How was it created and what inspired it?
It all started in Dahab, Egypt in Autumn 2019. My wife and I wanted to get to a place in the summer where we would could calm our heads, open our hearts and pray. Fortunately we had a friend who was an expert for such locations. She told us right away that the Solovetsky Monastery would just be perfect for us. In Summer 2019 we have booked a room for a week on the main island close to the monastery. The days were endlessly long due to the white nights , but we were staggered by the magic of the place. We felt engulfed with tranquility and eternity. Upon return to St. Petersburg we were convinced that this is one of the places that needs attention from our movie company and that a documentary made by our team is direly needed to share the experience you can get being there. At first Debizhev and the team were sceptical, but were ready to fly in and see for themselves. Fortunately they too felt the magical aura around the place and agreed to try to shoot. At first they tried to give it a classical, structural approach by preparing properly, scheduling the shoots and the interviews. Then the place would not allow anything to happen. Approvals were not given out, the weather did not want to comply etc. However once they understood that you should let go and let it happen, magic took over and the film started to shoot itself.
In simple terms, let our audience be aware of the historical importance of the Solovetsky Monastery for orthodox christianity ?
The Solovetsky Monastery is a journey from the infinity to the eternity. The Solovetsky Islands are the key point of Russia’s spiritual geography. The archipelago has been marked by spiritual, historical, and cultural events that immortalized themselves in Russian history and the memory of the Russian people. Tucked away in the distant northern periphery, it became one of the most powerful symbols of the Russian spirit. An Orthodox Christian who visits the Solovetsky Islands experiences a deep connection to the religious tradition. Here, away from the big cities, nothing disrupts you from prayer and contemplation. The outside world seems to disappear, leaving you alone with the Lord.
In this documentary, have the locations and interviews been shown in public before ? Monasteries are very secretive about their every day life and traditions.
The Holy Archipelago is the first truly large-scale documentary film dedicated to spirit and religion. Our unique cinematography is of the highest quality: the Solovetsky Islands have never been filmed this way before. Father Superior, Bishop Porfiry, and the brethren understood the importance of creating such a film, and they allowed our crew to witness the monastery’s relics and sacraments. We even filmed the ordination ceremony, which shows the level of trust they offered us.
We hope we have managed to translate to the screen the beauty of the monastic life – sedate, profound, deeply tranquil and majestic. Those normally trapped in the clutches of civilization, anxious and ever in a hurry, suddenly let go of their phones and experience a completely different world. A world with different laws, different goals, and different understanding of joyous and complete existence.
Were there any difficulties shooting for 2 years in such a unique location ?
The biggest obstacle is your own strength of spirit. Does your soul have what it takes to make your idea a reality? The rest is just geography. The journey isn’t easy, of course: there is just one tiny plane flying to the islands from the city of Arkhangelsk every day, and it’s usually full. Getting a ticket is always a problem. Besides, the filming took place during the pandemic, so everything was closed and no one was allowed to go anywhere. Shooting a film at the Solovetsky Islands at a time like that wasn’t for the weak of heart. But we’re experienced people capable of overcoming these difficulties.
What is the message the audience should convey leaving the screening of your film ?
The Holy Archipelago has many layers of messages. You have stunning shots depicting the beauty of the local nature. There is a strong historical aspect involved that has the extremes of heaven and hell. The local priests are authentic, since they are shown at their daily routines, so the interviews with them have a deep touch in the hearts of the viewers (we have seen a lot of tears in the theatres and received lots of beautifully drafted texts of gratitudes). It is a movie I like to watch over and over and always find a new message for myself. I cannot tell a clear message the the viewer should convey except that there are many messages depending on yourself.
Any future projects incoming ? Along with personal aspirations.
Nowadays our company is producing a film titled The Cross. In it, we are trying to understand how Christianity has transformed the world. The cross is the most ancient symbol – humanity’s Alpha and Omega. Its journey has lasted centuries. It’s vitally important to understand all of its hidden meanings. The cross is also the best-known symbol in human history. It has represented Christianity all over the world for two thousand years. Such a deep historical context presupposes a deep dive into the sacred tradition. Our narration begins in ancient Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the deserts of Sinai. Many events that allow us to understand the depth of Christian tradition took place in those locations. We are preparing to shoot in Georgia, Cyprus, and Ethiopia, as well as the most important monasteries of Russia.
That was the interview with our beloved creator Michael Skigin. Our community is rising everyday, new talented filmakers and screenwriters get onboard. Be sure to check the rest of our interviews and why not schedule one for yourself to promote your work. To publish an interview simply submit on the INTERVIEW OF YOUR FILM category on our Filmfreeway page.
