Teaser trailer for the New Zealand film Russian Snark.
Misha (Stephen Papps), a once feted Soviet filmmaker who has fallen on hard times, resolves to leave his homeland in search of a film-friendly country where he can pursue his career. With girlfriend Nadia (Elena Stejko) he sets sail from Russia in a tiny lifeboat, drifting cross the Pacific to finally make land in New Zealand.
It’s not long before Misha comes to the conclusion that New Zealand is no more receptive to his ideas and asthetic than Russia. Yet he perseveres with his experimental film, ignoring his partner’s entreaties to find work, and increasingly withdrawing into himself. Inevitably his relationship with Nadia collapses.
Alone, his obsessions take hold and he steadily descends into madness. Only a chance encounter with a young Polynesian woman saves him from the ultimate act of self-destruction. His friendship with Roseanna (Stephanie Tauevihi) inspires a re-awakening, as he begins to reconnect with the world around him.