The film

‘Russian Snark’ marks the (feature film) directorial debut of writer Stephen Sinclair. As a screenwriter, Sinclair has worked with director Peter Jackson on ‘Meet The Feebles’, ‘Braindead’ and ‘Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers’. Stephen has directed several short films, including ‘Home Video’ and ‘Ride’, which was selected for the Montreal Film Festival in 2004.‘Russian Snark’ emerged out of the directors’ love of Russian films and the desire to explore the emotional journey involved with the artistic process.

The cast

One of New Zealand’s most prolific actors, Stephen Papps has appeared in projects that range from the critically acclaimed stage productions ‘The Thirty Nine Steps’,  ‘Mark Twain & Me In Maoriland’,  The Bear which he is currently performing at the Victoria Cinema in Devonport with Elena Stejko to the feature films ‘The Piano’ and ‘Braindead’.

His television appearances include such series as perennial favourite, ‘Shortland Street’ and Disney’s ‘Legend of the Seeker’.

In ‘Russian Snark’, the award winning Papps plays the lead role of Misha, a Russian filmmaker whose career has seen better days. In an attempt to rediscover his inspiration, Misha decides to set sail for New Zealand and the promise of a revived career.

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Ukrainian born actress/casting director/acting coach Elena Stejko has lived in New Zealand for the past 15 years. A student at the Kiev University of Culture, Stejko has taught the Chekhov and Stanislavsky acting methods for 8 years.

An accomplished actress, singer and dancer, she has appeared in television productions ‘Mercy Peak’ and ‘Shortland Street’, as well as directing several theatre productions. She is currently performing The Bear by Chekov in the Victoria Theatre in Devonport

In ‘Russian Snark’, Stejko plays the part of Nadia, the wife and muse of a tortured artist. The actress brings an authenticity to the role that is at times haunting and heart-warming.

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The crew

Producer, Liz DiFiore has worked on over 50 local and international productions spanning genres such as drama, reality TV, documentary and comedy.

Born in New York, to New Zealand parents, Liz recently worked as UPM on several feature films including ‘Anacondas’. She also worked on the multi-Emmy nominated ‘Ike: Countdown to D-Day, ‘Murder In Greenwich’, ‘Lucy’ and ‘Blood Crime’.

‘Russian Snark’ is Liz’s second feature as producer (‘Hugh and Heke’ was her first) . She has produced and executive produced several internationally successful short films, including ‘Ride’, her first collaboration with Stephen Sinclair.