Russian Snark

Misha Stephen Papps a once celebrated filmmaker who has fallen on hard times resolves to leave his homeland in search of a filmfriendly country where he can pursue his career With his wife Nadia Elena Stejko in tow he sets sail from Russia in a tiny lifeboat drifting cross the Pacific to finally arrive in New Zealand Before long Misha realises that New Zealand is no more receptive to his ideas and aesthetic than Russia Yet he perseveres with his experimental film ignoring his wifes pleas to find work Misha increasingly withdraws into himself and his relationship with Nadia collapses Alone his obsessions take hold and he steadily descends into madness Only a chance encounter with a young Polynesian woman saves him from the ultimate act of selfdestruction His friendship with Roseanna Stephanie Tauevihi inspires a reawakening as he begins to reconnect with the world around him