Konstantin Khabensky Plays a Man with Autism in Dramedy 'Here Was Yura'

The directorial debut of Sergei Malkin tells the story of three rock musicians living in a kommunalka (communal apartment) in Moscow. Their routine of rehearsals and dreams of fame is disrupted when they have to take in Yura for ten days — the uncle of one of the characters, an older man with autism.

Yura does not speak and is unable to care for himself. The musicians« initial fear and irritation gradually give way to understanding and personal growth as they begin to care for him.

The role of Yura is played by Konstantin Khabensky. The actor created an unusual character, communicating on screen solely through body language, facial expressions, and gaze. For this role, he was awarded the prize for Best Actor, and the film itself won the Grand Prix at the Mayak festival of contemporary Russian cinema.

The film is based on real events that happened several years ago with the director himself and his friends. «I understood even then that what was happening to us was like a movie, but in the moment it»s hard to reflect on it, only later. The result is a film about our experiences and our age,« said Sergei Malkin.

The filming placed a strong emphasis on improvisation, which, according to critics, gave the film a special realism. The viewer sees not only the everyday squabbles of communal living but also the image of Yura, presented not as a savant genius but as an ordinary person worthy of love and acceptance. The film is rated 18+.