Garik Sukachev is an all-around star. Some know him as a rock musician – a veteran of 15 years responsible for some 14 albums – while others know him as an actor, the star of 11 movies, many of which have attracted the attention of both critics and the public, particularly "Pustelga" (Kestrel) and "Rokovye yaitsa" (Fatal Eggs). It is less widely known, however, that Sukachev is also a film director. His debut production, "Krizis Srednego Vozrasta" (Middle-Aged Crisis), was released in 1997. On May 8-9 he will present his latest work, "Prazdnik" (Holiday).

The plot revolves around a village, located close to Russia's western border, and its inhabitants, who celebrate the birthday of a little girl unaware that Nazi armies have already invaded the country. The film has been made to mark the 60th anniversary of the Nazi invasion on June 21. Avoiding bloodshed and portraying the message of the tragedy that ruined millions of human lives, the film conveys through a poignantly lyrical story the fate of an ordinary family.

Some of the actors are well-known to Russian audiences: Garik Sukachev, Kseniya Kachalina and Alexander Baluyev. The role of the five-year-old girl, whose birthday is celebrated the day before the war begins, is played by Masha Oamer and her friend, Genka, is acted by Sukhachev's son, Sasha Korolyov.

In addition, the film's cast and crew is to give a small concert on May 8-9. Songs from the film and popular wartime songs will be performed by Pyotr Todorovsky, Garik Sukachev and his band, Neprikasayemye. Pyotr Todorovsky, well-known as the director of the famous movie "Voenno-polevoi roman" ("Battlefield Romance"), composed the soundtrack for Sukachev's film. Music for two of the songs, however, was written by Todorovsky, the lyrics of which were composed by Sukachev himself.

ROSSIYA CONCERT HALL
1 Moskvoretskaya Nab.
Metro: Kitai-Gorod
Tel: 748-0652; 105-1005
Date and time: May 8-9, 7 p.m.
Cover: 200 to 1,200 rubles