Synopsis

A large corporation sets up an industrial plant in a remote area. Experts say that the plant is toxic. The corporation denies this. A local resident starts an experiment to test their claims.

Director's Statement - Maxim Akbarov

The Experiment is a dark dramedy. It is a modern story, and we utilized modern techniques, including drones, to film it, but visually, the film influenced by the German Expressionist movies of the 1910s-1930s. This influence can be seen in its black and white color scheme, the use of expressionistic acting techniques, and the claustrophobic black vignettes that enclose its every frame, standing in special dissonance with the wide natural landscapes.

Screenwriter's Statement - Timur Akbarov

This is a story of ecological activism shown in a broader societal context. The story is deeply personal, local and global at the same time. It is told in reverse order. The dark ending is shown first. Then the backward chain of events goes through its main points, leading to its point of departure. There, the final frozen shot demonstrates the emotions of the lead character looking into future and perfectly understanding everything that will happen.

Crew

Maxim Akbarov -Director/Producer

Maxim Akbarov is a Kazakhstani actor, producer, director and screenwriter. A part of the Akbarov film-making brothers duo, he started as an actor before becoming a producer and screenwriter. In 2023, Maxim was named the best director of a low budget film at 8th Calella Film Festival in Spain for his feature directing debut Steppe.

Timur Akbarov - Screenwriter

Timur Akbarov is a Kazakhstani moviemaker, who is a part of the Akbarov film-making brothers duo. A screenwriter who had learned the craft at UCLA Extension, he also produces both movies and series. In 2023, Timur created his first animation short film and plans to make the second in 2025.