Uar

Uar is a multi-layered conceptual film centered on the story of Tsarevich Dmitry of Uglich, the youngest son of Ivan the Terrible, and the rich mythology surrounding his figure — a myth that ultimately ignited the Time of Troubles (Smuta) in Russian history.

The film’s visual language is built around a deliberate color scheme: rich golden and deep red tones in low-key lighting dominate the first half, evoking intensity and drama, while the second half shifts to subdued, muted olive shades that bring a sense of quiet introspection and decay.

In crafting the color grading and lighting, we drew heavy inspiration from the Old Masters — Titian, Dürer, Vermeer — as well as the dense, symbolic tradition of Orthodox icon painting (the saturated reds, luminous golds, and spiritual depth). We consciously avoided filmic emulations, vintage looks, or overly dramatic, “shouty” effects, aiming instead for timeless, painterly harmony that feels authentic to the era’s artistic and religious essence.