SOWING THE SEEDS OF REVOLUTION…

Sofia’s Letters is a period drama set in 19th century St Petersburg that follows a young woman’s journey from high society to revolutionary in an era when far reaching social changes were happening in Russia.
Through her letters, we follow an intense journey of love, betrayal and sacrifice that has grave consequences.

PREMIERE 5th March – at a private screening in Stockholm – 16.00-19.30 – there will be short talk by the film maker at 18.30 followed by the screening in the marvellous vintage cinema 15 mins from central Stockholm. More info on the Facebook event here

“Sofia’s Letters was both a personal challenge in making my first serious film as well as challenging the way look at historical characters and their associated narrative. With no budget, a powerful idea, contacts in three countries and enthusiastic friends, I created a film that explored the life of the first woman ‘terrorist’, Sofia Perovskaya. The intention was to take a measured look at the socio-political lanscape of 19th century Russia and frame the events from the perspective of a queer woman. In a broader sense, the film looks at the institutions and shifting sands that power is built upon. In a more personal sense, the film inverts gender roles and sets up a tragic love affair with two women “

See the trailer here…

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A JP BICHARD SHORT FILM

Written, produced, directed, filmed and edited by Bichard.

Filmed on location in St Petersburg, Zamek Moszna, Poland and Stockholm.

CAST
Sofia Perovskaya – Daria Romanova
Anja – Mia Häggström
Gregori – Thomas Hagaeus

Sophia’s Mother – Inge-Mette Petersen
Sophia’s Father – Aleksej Daineko
Official – Krzysztof Szczech
Private – Roman Panov
Officer – Oleg Usmanov
Aristocrat – Polina Filatova
Aristocrat – Rinat Yamurzin
Postperson – Nicklas Barklund
Prison Warder’s eys – Nadja Brecevic
Revolutionaries – Magnus Bergman, Li Melus, Mats Wellerfors

ASSISTANTS – STOCKHOLM
Nadja Brecevic
LA Nordwall
Li Melus
Björn Falkevik
Nicklas Barklund

ASSISTANTS – ST PETERSBURG
Anastasia Kulakovskaya (KulNaka)
Julia Gusarova
Anna Shekhovtsova

COSTUME CONSULTANT
Daria Romanova

SCRIPTWRITING, PRODUCTION, CAMERA, COLORING, EDITING, SOUND DESIGN, POST-PRODUCTION, VFX – JP Bichard

FILMED ON LOCATION

SWEDEN
Finngrundet lightship, Stockholm – Torkällberget living museum, Södertalje
Gamla Linnköping living museum – Långmaren farm museum – Matts’ Barn
In and around the streets of Gamla Stan and Södermalm, Stockholm.

RUSSIA
The streets of St Petersburg.

POLAND
Zamek Moszna, palace and gardens.

MUSIC
Chopin, Nocturne number 10 Opus 32 no.2 – played by Janne Sjöblom
Tchaikowsky, Marche Slave – public domain recording
Rimsky-Korsakov – Scheherazade– Rodzinski – public Domain Recording
Saint Saens, Dans Macabre – public domain recording

SPECIAL THANKS TO
Saskia Sandlund & Felix for permission to film on the Finngrundet lightship, Stockholm
Stefan and Annica at Torkällberget living museum.
The Staff at Gamla Linköpping for running with my inability to find the right town!
Långmaren Farm museum.
Daria’s parents for putting me up.
Nadina Dobrowolska for her support and arranging the use of Moszna Zamek.
Leo Sandberg for his excellent feedback
Felicia Bichard for her continued support.
Daria Romanova for believing in the project and putting in so much time and energy.