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Maria Efremova is a multifaceted individual from Norilsk, recognized for her diverse roles as a filmmaker, actress, and journalist. Her reputation extends beyond cinema into controversial ideologies, particularly concerning her views on social issues. One of her recent projects, a film titled Good Neighbors, premiered on November 7 on the Star Media YouTube channel, showcasing her dual role both behind and in front of the camera.
Described in promotional materials as a heartwarming tale of “friendship, helping others, and love,” the film takes a dark turn, exploring the story of a kidnapped boy and the ensuing search led by his mother. The narrative attributes the kidnappings to sinister Leninist forces reacting to research that criticizes the historical figure Vladimir Lenin. Despite a promising premise, the film has drawn attention not for its artistic merit but for its questionable acting and erratic script, leading to its removal from Star Media’s social media platforms.
An overview of Good Neighbors
In one particularly awkward scene from Good Neighbors, two characters, Dima and Olya (played by Efremova herself), engage in a discussion that glorifies Russian heritage. Dima reflects on a quote from an English geologist who allegedly praised the Russian spirit as capable of “compassionate” colonialism. Olya expresses surprise that such insights could come from an Englishman, whom she derogatorily refers to as part of “the most deceitful nation on Earth.” This exchange highlights the film’s peculiar dialogue and its underlying nationalist sentiments.
Controversial themes and character dialogues
Efremova’s character delineates the differences between “Russians by blood” and those who embody the Russian spirit, labeling the latter as “Russified.” The conversation spirals into a declaration that no other nationality shares this unique appeal, explicitly dismissing the British, French, Armenians, and notably, Jews. This theme of exclusivity is prevalent throughout the film, revealing its troubling ideological stance.
Another character, Vera, presents an even more bizarre interpretation when she warns her son about Lenin’s Mausoleum, describing it as a cursed object, or “teraphim,” supposedly made from the remains of infants sacrificed in secret rituals. This claim, while unfounded, illustrates the film’s tendency to blend historical references with conspiracy theories. Vera further claims that the mausoleum serves as a tool of psychological manipulation, asserting that the “Mausoleum Project” was orchestrated by “Judeo-Bolsheviks” to suppress the Russian populace’s will.
Public reception and Efremova’s response
Following the film’s removal from Star Media, Efremova published an article titled “Why Were the Jews Frightened by the Russian Film ‘Good Neighbors’?” In this piece, she accused her detractors of being “sons of Israel” who were intimidated by her work. She speculated that they acted under directives to undermine her film’s success. Despite the film’s overt bigotry, she insisted that it does not contravene Russian hate speech laws, claiming that federal officials appreciated her artistic endeavors.
Background and previous ventures
Before immersing herself in the cinematic world of Moscow, Efremova organized beauty pageants in Novosibirsk and founded a magazine called Pir that showcased her various projects. She also hosted a YouTube talk show focusing on ethics, where she explored conspiracy theories with anti-American and anti-LGBTQ+ undertones. Although her online audience remains modest, she has garnered over 61,000 subscribers on Yandex Zen, largely through behind-the-scenes content, film trailers, and articles espousing her controversial views.
While Efremova’s films may not be destined for theatrical acclaim, they can be accessed freely on Russian streaming platforms like Okko and Ivi. Notably, since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, she has showcased her works to uniformed soldiers, claiming her projects are self-sustaining through product placements without government backing. Efremova has firmly disavowed any financial support from a partner, emphasizing her self-made status in the film industry.
The evolution of Star Media
Star Media, the platform that initially showcased Efremova’s work, was founded as a collaborative venture between Russian and Ukrainian filmmakers. It has produced a vast array of films and television series, tracing its origins back to Vadym Ryashin. Following the geopolitical upheaval, Ryashin distanced himself from the company, relocating to Cyprus while continuing to manage distribution through intermediaries. Despite the controversies surrounding Efremova’s work, Star Media remains a significant player in the media landscape, with a library of over 500 titles.
As her career continues to unfold, Maria Efremova remains a polarizing figure, embodying a blend of artistic ambition and contentious ideology that resonates within the current sociopolitical climate.