The documentary film "Kuzma: Terrifyingly Fun," dedicated to the life and work of the legendary musician Andriy Kuzmenko, premiered in Ukrainian cinemas. The film, which is the result of painstaking work with archival materials, has already elicited a lively response from viewers and the artist's colleagues. The pre-premiere screening gathered friends, family, and colleagues who shared their memories of a man who left a deep mark on culture.
400 hours of archives and 25,000 photos
According to producer Maksym Serdyuk, the main feature of the film was the colossal work with archival data. The team of directors watched more than 400 hours of video recordings and selected the best shots from 25,000 photos. This allowed them to create a unique visual chronicle covering not only the peak of the band "Skryabin's" career but also the early years of the band's formation in the 90s.
"Half of the film is the history of the early band. We see the full formation of Kuzma, how they rehearsed, how they did something silly or, conversely, were serious. And all of this is very cool," noted Serdyuk. It is precisely these "unofficial" shots that give the film special sincerity and depth, allowing the viewer to see the artist without embellishment.
"Ukrainian Philosopher" and a lesson in life
At the premiere, stars of the Ukrainian pop scene and show business shared how they remember Andriy Kuzmenko. Singer Kristina Soloviy emphasized his straightforwardness and ability to remain himself despite the pressure of circumstances. She noted that public love is not acquired through PR or convenient positions, but is given for sincerity.
Actress Yelena Svitlytska called Kuzma a true Ukrainian philosopher. She recalled the song "People, like ships," which, according to her, teaches caution and responsibility in relationships. "You need to be careful with those who are next to you so that this ship definitely does not sink," the actress admitted. For many young musicians, the principles espoused by Kuzmenko remain relevant today.
Budget, emotions, and the absence of quotas
The creators of the film initially did not set commercial goals for themselves. The film's budget was $150,000, and for the team, it was enough to break even. The main goal was not to make money, but to create a quality story capable of inspiring people. Producer Maksym Serdyuk expressed hope that the film would fill viewers with the energy of Andriy Kuzmenko and his thirst for life.
"You watch this film and realize that you feel this thirst for life. As if we understand everything, what the ending of this film is. But, despite this, there is an impression that everything will be great in your life if you make an effort," he shared. According to the authors' plan, the film should evoke a wide range of emotions — from sadness to laughter, while remaining an honest portrait of a person.
