Until only a year ago the exiled satirist Vladimir Voinovich was the most vilified writer in the Soviet Union. Now that his most famous book The Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Private Ivan Chonkin has finally been published there, a Voinovich cult has broken out in Moscow, where a film, theatre and musical version of Chonkin are currently under preparation.
Despite strong protests from conservatives, Voinovich was asked to visit his homeland. Bookmark filmed the author in his Munich exile and followed him on his triumphant return to Moscow.
To the Soviet literary establishment Voinovich remains an unreformed anti-Soviet troublemaker. To millions of Russians who have finally been able to read his stories, he is simply the 20th century reincarnation of the great Gogol. Photography
JOHN DALY , JOHN GOODYER Film editor MICHAEL FLYNN
Executive producer NIGEL WILLIAMS Director PAUL PAWLIKOWSKI