Published on: 2026-04-09
Source: Official website of the State –
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On April 8, at the State University of Management, as part of the VII All-Russian Festival of Student Short Films “Kinosfera,” there was a meeting with the famous Russian actor Viktor Dobronravov.
The event caused a real stir: not only students from GUU, but also fans of all ages from various corners of Moscow came to talk with their favorite artist.
Viktor Dobronravov talked about his life and career, favorite roles and books, changes in the world of cinematography and progress, as well as gave advice and guidance to the youth.
“You have to live interestingly. Find a job you love, a favorite activity, also interesting hobbies, close friends and family, then you will enjoy every moment. Becoming great is difficult in any profession, so only a few truly become great. But it is possible. You need to choose what resonates inside. Not necessarily a career, maybe it will be parenthood, education, teaching, etc. The main thing is to understand what touches you, what inspires, that gives meaning to life,” the artist shared.
A graduate of the Moscow Institute of Management (now GUU) in 1987 asked why there is a problem with films about the Great Patriotic War and why modern directors are not interested in historical truth.
“This problem is not only Russia’s; it is something that is happening worldwide. The world has changed, the speed has changed, the way information is presented has changed, and cinema has become entertaining. This is neither good nor bad—it’s life. Clip thinking is now everywhere and affects our consciousness. When talking about the Great Patriotic War, one must understand that right after it ended, no collective lament was filmed because it was painful for the people; every living person lost so many sons, husbands, relatives. Every film was filled with sorrow and pain. There is no person here whose life was untouched by the war, and this topic is very complex. But times have changed, and cinema and presentations today are different.””I also love Soviet films, my family and I watch them, but modern ones too.”
An actor shared his opinion on Hollywood and the Oscar awards:
“For me, Hollywood ended in the late 90s. ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ didn’t receive an Oscar at the time because ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Pulp Fiction’ were nominated that year, meaning it was an incredible level of cinematography then. And what about today? At the last ceremony, the best film was recognized as ‘The Sinner.’ This is not serious.”
A graduate of GUU class of 2007 gave everyone moments of nostalgia by raising the question about the series “Don’t Be Born Beautiful.”
“This was my first major job, it was filmed in 2005, and everything came together here: the team, the stars, the time, and something else. We lived a whole life on the set. People fell in love with this series, and from today it will no longer be possible to perceive it as serious work. Such popularity, that it was impossible to walk down the street, never happened before. We were greeted, photographed, asked: “Where is the motorcycle?”, “How is Masha?”, etc. There was an attempt to make a continuation, but it did not come to life.”
In his answers, the actor repeatedly emphasized that it is important not only to work but also to rest, maintaining an early balance between career and personal life.
“I’m already at that stage when I enjoy the absence of filming. It’s important not to get lost in the process and to enjoy life. I try to work less and live more. Recently, I returned from Japan, where we just relaxed, which is hard to believe. If we talk about a dream, it’s swimming with whales and other ocean creatures, walking in the mountains, and creating something with my own hands. After all, as an actor, I don’t work with my hands. Therefore, in my free time, I look for something useful to do.”
Asked the artist about the creative plan, favorite roles, and development in the musical sphere.
“My favorite role is probably Khludov in the play ‘Run,’ it was hard-earned, and it is mine. At the same time, there is Balkonsky from the play ‘War and Peace’; this role is more ‘grown into,’ and one needs to understand it more deeply and grow into it. When it comes to music, it has always been with me since childhood. I know how to play the saxophone, and I often perform songs on the guitar at a dacha or by a campfire, but concerts are very exciting; I have no ambitions for millions of listeners. Recently, jazz musicians from the LRK Trio came to me, and from December, we will perform together at various venues, playing favorite songs,” the actor said.
At the end of the meeting, Viktor Dobronravov gave guidance to the younger generation:
“Recently I realized that our wishes to others are a projection of what we want to wish ourselves. Therefore, I want to say: don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because mistakes are wonderful. Only those who do nothing make no mistakes. The famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo missed more shots on goal during penalties than anyone else in the world, but he also scored more than anyone else. Because he did it, learned, and persevered. Today you might not succeed, tomorrow you’ll do okay with a C grade, but after a little more training, it will turn out great. Sometimes worse, sometimes better, but the main thing is to do. So here’s the most important thing: don’t be afraid to make mistakes, keep moving forward, and seek inspiration.”
Let us remind you that last week at GUU there was a meeting with Stepan Abramov, and already on April 10, inside the walls of our university, the final of the VII All-Russian Festival of Student Short Films “Kinosfera” will take place.
Subscribe to the Telegram channel “Our GUU”Publication date: 9.04.2026
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