«Igor Tolstunov's Producer Company» («PROFIT») and «Etalon-film Film Company» have completed filming of the fantasy comedy «The Monk and the Demon».
The action of the picture unfolds in Russia in the first half of the 19th century. The plot is based on the story of the monk Ivan Semyonovich, who appeared in a men's monastery. Together with him, a demon in the guise of a man named Legion penetrates the monastery, and constantly tempts Ivan. The lead roles in the film are played by Timofey Tribuntsev, Georgy Fetisov, Boris Kamorzin, Roman Madyanov, and others.
«This is a film about how a man defeated the devil, – says the film's director Nikolay Dostal. – With his righteousness, patience, and submission to God's will, monk Ivan Semyonovich eventually made sure that the demon lost his diabolical power. And the demon becomes a man, and the good man – a saint».
Filming of the comedy about the amazing adventures of Ivan Semyonovich began in the Vologda region on the territory of the Kirillo-Belozersky Museum-Reserve. Then the film crew moved to Crimea, where a set of the square in front of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built and the Eastern bazaar of Jerusalem was recreated.
The most difficult and eventful expedition turned out to be the one to Jordan. Filming took place in the Archaeological Park of the ancient city of Petra, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, 26 years ago, Steven Spielberg filmed «Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade». Since then, it has been categorically forbidden to bring any equipment into the park – even high-ranking political figures get here on foot. But the subtle diplomacy, professionalism, and charisma of the filmmakers left no doubt in the management of the park – they were allowed to bring everything necessary for working on the picture.
The film is now in post-production, and its release is planned for 2016.