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,” a meeting was held with the famous Russian actor Viktor Dobronravov.
The event caused a real sensation: not only students of GUU came to talk with their favorite artist, but also fans of all ages from various corners of Moscow.
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 need to live interestingly. Find a favorite job, 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. It doesn’t have to be a career; maybe it will be parenting, upbringing, teaching, etc. The main thing is to understand what touches you, what inspires you, that is what gives life meaning,” the artist shared.
A graduate of the Moscow Institute of Management (now GUU) in 1987 asked about what is happening with films about the Great Patriotic War, why historical truth does not interest modern directors.
“This is not only a problem of Russia, this is what is happening all over the world. The world has changed, the speed has changed, the presentation of information has changed, cinema has become entertaining. This is neither good nor bad – this is life. Clip thinking is everywhere and influences our consciousness. Speaking about the Great Patriotic War, one must understand that immediately after it they did not film a collective lament, because the people were in pain, every living person had lost so many sons, husbands, relatives, every film was filled with grief and pain. There is no person here who was not touched by the war, and this topic is very complex. But times have changed, cinema and presentations today are different.””I also love Soviet films, we watch them with the family, but we also watch modern ones.”
The actor shared his opinion on Hollywood and the Oscar awards:
“For me, Hollywood ended in the late ’90s. “The Shawshank Redemption” did not receive an Oscar at the time because that year “Forrest Gump” and “Pulp Fiction” were nominated, i.e., there was an incredible level of cinematography back then. And what about today? At the last ceremony, the best film was recognized as “The Fault in Our Stars.” That’s not serious.”
A 2007 HSE graduate has given everyone moments of nostalgia by raising a question about the series “Don’t Be Born Beautiful.”
“This was my first major work, filmed in 2005, and everything came together here: the team, the stars, the timing, and something else. We lived a whole life on the film set. People grew fond of this series, and today it is no longer possible to perceive it as serious work. Such popularity, making it impossible to walk down the street unnoticed, has never happened before. People would approach, take photos, ask: ‘Where’s the motorcycle?’, ‘How’s Masha?’ and so on. There was an attempt to film a continuation, but it did not come to life.”
In his response, 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 the stage where I enjoy the absence of shooting. The important thing is not to lose yourself in the process and to enjoy life. I try to work less and live more. Recently, I came 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 dwellers, hiking in the mountains, and creating something with my own hands. After all, as an actor, I don’t work with my hands. So 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 field.
“My favorite role, probably, is Khludov in the play ‘Run’, she is well-suffered, and she is mine. At the same time, there is also Balkonsky from the play ‘War and Peace’, this role is more ‘grown up’, which needs to be understood more deeply and grown into. Speaking of music, it has always been with me, since childhood. I can play the saxophone, and I often perform songs on the guitar at a cozy gathering or by the campfire, and concerts are very exciting; I have no ambitions for millions to listen to me. Recently, jazz musicians LRK Trio came to me, and from December we will perform together at various venues, performing favorite songs,” the actor said.
At the end of the meeting, Viktor Dobronravov gave advice to the younger generation:
“I recently realized that our wishes for others are a projection of what we want to wish ourselves. Therefore, I want to say: do not 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 may not succeed, tomorrow you’ll get a C, but with a little more training it will turn out great. Sometimes better, sometimes worse, but the main thing is to keep doing it. So here is the most important thing: do not be afraid to make mistakes, keep moving forward, and seek inspiration.”
Let us remind you that last week a meeting with Stepan Abramov took place at GUU, and already on April 10, the final of the VII All-Russian Festival of Student Short Films “Kinosfera” will be held within the walls of our university.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Nash GUG”Publication date: 9.04.2026
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