While Ivan the Terrible was collapsing into madness, bloodshed and tyranny, the only person who confronted him was his childhood friend Metropolitan Philipp, played by one of Russia’s most charismatic artists Oleg Yankovsky.

The film’s director calls Ivan the Terrible a quintessential figure in Russian history. The first Russian tsar shaped the phenomenon of power for centuries to come.

“He was a monster who prevented Russia from moving into the Renaissance by keeping his country in The Middle Ages, and in a certain way we are still there today,” says Lungin.

With the budget of $15 million, Tsar is Lungin’s most ambitious project. Shooting took place in the Vladimir Region in the small ancient town of Suzdal, some 200 kilometers from Moscow.

“We could afford to create magnificent sets and costumes. I didn’t want a digital spectacle, but something authentic and attempted to recreate Russia as it was in the 16th century,” Lungin says.

One of Hollywood’s best directors of photography, who’s worked with Clint Eastwood on most of his films, was behind the camera at Tsar.

Ivan the Terrible is portrayed by non-professional actor and founder of the cult rock band Zvuki Mu – Pyotr Mamonov, who last played in Lungin’s drama “The Island” and “Taxi Blues”.

The festival’s jury will give Ivan the Terrible their verdict on May 23.

Valeria Paikova, RT