THE ISLAND

The prelude plays during World War II: German soldiers promise to spare the life of Anatolij, who is a deckhand on a coal barge, if he shoots his boss. The soldiers then blow up the barge, and Anatolij is rescued by monks living on a remote northern Russian island. Thirty years later, he is still in the monastery, living under a self-imposed ascetic regime by which he hopes to atone for his crime. Pilgrims come from near and far to pay their reverence to this “staretz” with miraculous powers – and among them is Anatolij’s former employer. He survived the shooting and subsequent explosion and now holds a high military rank. Shortly before Anatolij dies, he is able to experience forgiveness... The surprise box office success of OSTROV in Russia triggered vehement debates. German premiere.