MOSCOW, June 22 (UPI) -- Russian filmmakers' new trend toward producing patriotic themed movies has resulted in record-setting audiences and profits.
In Russia's 21st century filmmaking, patriots have emerged as movie heroes, series about border guards and commandos are on the airwaves and the February 2004 film "72 Metra" has grossed a record $2 million as the most frequently seen film of the year, Novosti reported Tuesday.
The success of the new films, especially of "72 Metra," comes at time when Russia films traditionally have had small or no audiences.
A new wave of patriotism, along with a strategy to promote the films, atypical of Russian movies, has been key to "72 Metra's" success, Novosti said.
Commercials on Russia's TV Channel One, along with advertising billboards and newspaper articles, created excitement for the film before it was released.
The film, about the death of a Navy submarine crew in distress, embodies everything patriotic, the director said.
"If patriotism means love for Motherland, responsibility, dignity, honor and duty, '72 Metra' is a patriotic movie. Seamen have got all these qualities," said Vladimir Khotinenko.
