Russian Helmer Kirill Serebrennikov Sets Off ‘Tchaikovsky’s Wife’ With Charades (EXCLUSIVE)

variety.com:

Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentKirill Serebrennikov, the iconoclastic Russian filmmaker behind Cannes competition titles “Petrov’s Flu” and “Leto,” is reteaming with French banner Charades on his next daring movie, “Tchaikovsky’s Wife.”Serebrennikov, who is under a three-year travel ban, sheds light on the tumultuous relationship between Pyotr Tchaikovsky, the most famous Russian composer of all time, and his wife Antonina Miliukova in his new film.Set in 19th century Russia, the movie portrays Miliukova, a beautiful and bright young woman who became obsessed with Tchaikovsky after listening to his music for the first time.

The composer will finally accept their union to put an end to rumors of his homosexuality. Blaming her for his misfortunes and breakdowns, Tchaikovsky will try to get rid of his wife in every possible way.

Miliukova, meanwhile, decides to endure and to do whatever it takes not to divorce him. Humiliated, disgraced and discarded, she slowly slips into madness.

Serebrennikov has partnered up again with Hype Films who produced his previous movies, “The Student,” “Leto” and “Petrov’s Flu.” Co-producers are Charades Productions, Logical Pictures (“Revenge,” “Pleasure”) and Bord Cadre Films (“Monos”).Charades is also handling international sales on the project (pictured) and will introduce it to buyers with a promo at the European Film Market.“We’re very excited about this new explosive film by Kirill Serebrennikov who is never afraid to take risks and be bold,” said Charades co-founder Yohann Comte.