The Russian film “I Will Come,” directed by Bulat Sabitov, was discussed during a press conference held on Friday, November 28, at Honar Shahr Aftab Cineplex in Shiraz, as part of the 43rd Fajr International Film Festival.
Starring Ivan Shuvarov and Daniil Pasynkov, “I Will Come” is competing in the Future Frame section, a category dedicated to first and second feature films that highlight emerging filmmakers. The film follows sixteen-year-old Timofey, who escapes from a juvenile detention center in search of his grandmother. Pursued by authorities, he embarks on a journey of survival and friendship alongside an eight-year-old street child.
At the beginning of the session, Sabitov spoke about the origins of the project, explaining, “A close friend of mine, who is a screenwriter, suggested that I work on a script. After making several changes, I decided to direct it myself. This is my first feature film.” He added that the core of the story focuses on intergenerational tension, noting, “The film concentrates on the problems parents have with their children—and vice versa. At its heart, the story suggests that everyone is capable of correcting their mistakes and deserves a chance to change.”
Discussing the casting process, Sabitov revealed that finding the young actors was a challenging yet intuitive experience. “I found the eight-year-old actor on Instagram,” he said. “He was involved in dance and music, and when I first spoke to him, I immediately realized he was exactly right for the role.” In contrast, casting the older teenage character took significantly longer. “It took nearly two months to find the seventeen-year-old actor. Before filming, we also worked extensively through rehearsals to build a believable connection between the two boys.”
Sabitov also reflected on his early exposure to Iranian cinema, recalling, “When I was a student, there was a Muslim Film Festival in Kazan, where I saw several Iranian films. I really admired their style.” Emphasizing cultural proximity, he added, “I come from Kazan, a predominantly Muslim city, and Iran is also a Muslim country. I believe there is strong potential for collaboration and co-productions between our filmmakers.”
Addressing the film’s production budget, Sabitov explained that “I Will Come” was made with limited financial support. “I received a small grant from the government—around twenty thousand dollars—and the rest of the budget was covered by the producer,” he said. He went on to outline Russia’s funding structure, noting that the Ministry of Culture and other state cinema organizations typically provide non-refundable funding for film production, which supports the majority of independent filmmakers in the country.
The 43rd Fajr International Film Festival is currently underway in Shiraz, bringing together filmmakers, critics, and audiences through screenings, press conferences, and a wide range of cultural and cinematic events.
