"Karaganda"
Short, 2013
Producer - Shira Aharony
Director - Max Weissberg
Cinematographer - Terrence Burke
Production Designer - Clarissa Brillembourg
Editor - Cami Starkman
KARAGANDA tells the story of Vladimir Bershstein, a prisoner in a 1950s Soviet prison camp, the infamous “gulag.” Vladimir has just begun a long sentence for smuggling electronics into the Soviet Union. Vladimir’s only friend is Aleksei, a political prisoner, and together they work cutting down trees and constructing new buildings for the camp. Aside from having to deal with impossible quotas, an inadequate diet, and a general feeling of hopelessness, Vladimir is relentlessly beaten by fellow inmates who hate him for being Jewish. Both Vladimir and Aleksei are lucky to be friends, however, as they both end up saving each other’s lives.
"Best Showcase Short" - Soho IFF
"Finalist" - A Film for Peace (Italy)
"Honorable Mention" - Santa Fe FF
"Honorable Mention ICA" - Dances With Films
"Top 5" Jury Selection - AFI Conservatory Showcase