The Italian
Six-year-old Vanya, a child from an orphanage, is about to be adopted by an Italian family – hence his nickname "The Italian". A carefree life under the Mediterranean sun awaits him, but the boy wants to find his own mother at all costs. Audience Award "Golden Taiga" (main prize of the Russian competition) and prizes to actors Nikolai Spiridonov ("Crystal Leonov") and Maria Spiridonova (special jury prize) in 2006. The film was nominated by Russia for the Oscar. The film participated in the Berlin International Film Festival, festivals in Taipei (Taiwan), Chicago and Telluride (USA), Toronto and Sudbury (Canada), Morelia (Mexico) and others - the lead actor Nikolai Spiridonov received several awards. In addition to Russia, the film was released in a limited release in many European countries.