15-year-old Leshka lives in a male-dominated whaling community on the Bering Strait. When the internet arrives in his isolated village, he becomes infatuated with a seductive webcam model from America. His encounter with this mysterious woman awakens a desire to find love outside of the confines of his tiny world. Determined to meet his dream girl in real life, Leshka sets forth on a dangerous adventure across the raging waters of the sea.

The debut feature from Russian director Philipp Yuryev, THE WHALER BOY premiered in competition at Venice Days where it won the top prize and Best Director awards.

“A brilliant premise for a movie and Yuryev delivers on that promise big time. His screenplay is minutely observant, unafraid to explore various themes and truly original. First-time actor Onokhov is a stunner. The two cinematographers Mikhail Khursevich and Yakov Mironichev are also making their feature debut with this film and their work is equally astounding.” –Awards Daily

DIRECTED BY PHILIPP YURYEV
RUSSIA, POLAND, BELGIUM | 2020 | RUSSIAN AND ENGLISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES