Short Documentary AFIN 097
Garage Romantic
Directed by 
Dan Sadgrove
AFIN 2021 Winner
- 2021
- 13m
-
New Zealand - Russian
Stills
2 frames
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Credits
Produced by
Cinematography
Editing
Music & Sound
Visual Effects
Synopsis
A big dreamer from the small town of Togliatti, Russia ponders life while building a rocket powered sled made from discarded trash.
Director's Statement
Garage Romantic has recently qualified for the Oscars in 2022 winning "Best NZ Short" at Doc Edge International Film Festival! This film came about when I saw some photos of Lyoha and his machine in a magazine in 2014. Curious by the insane contraption he was sitting on - a rocket powered sled - I tracked him down and asked if he'd like to make a film it. Turning up to Russia with a DP and no idea of what we were going to encounter, we met a man who dreams well beyond his means. Working out of an underground garage in the remote town of Togliatti, Lyoha is an ambitious character whose desire to fly overcomes any obstacle he encounters. What came of this is an inspiring story of self-belief in the face of adversity.
From the Judges
From the Judges
A quietly inspiring watch that leaves you with a lingering sense of wonder. Every frame is composed with real beauty, the images stunning and rhythmic in a way that carries the subject's imagination straight to the audience. The panel found the visual craft and the shaping of it gorgeous, an out-of-this-world experience grounded in a warm, motivational story.
Director's Biography
Dan Sadgrove Director
Dan Sadgrove is a New Zealand born director with a degree in Anthropology focusing on documentaries around the world. He has filmed in South Africa, Vietnam, Mexico, Sardinia, Argentina, United States of America & New Zealand. He is also a published documentary photographer having been featured in National Geographic for his work in Patagonia, Argentina.
Trailer
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Garage Romantic was Winner of Best Short Documentary at the AFIN International Film Festival 2021, a Top 100 Best Reviewed and IMDb-qualifying festival.
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