Syncopation is a 20-minute dramatic sports short from 2025, made in the Russian Federation and directed by Maria Rival. Produced as a student project at the Moscow School of New Cinema, it explores the world of classical dance through a young ballerina facing an intense course of artistic and personal training.
The documentary-fiction focuses on ballet, a discipline requiring absolute dedication, physical rigour and emotional control. After eight years at ballet school, the protagonist faces the decisive moment of her young career: obtaining a coveted role and a concrete chance to establish herself professionally. Yet increasing pressure and the resulting inner conflict lead her to question the direction of her life and the risk of pursuing someone else's dream rather than her own.
The cast includes Anna Vyalykh, Ekaterina Simonova, Diana Sukhanova and Artur Khasanov, who play the characters surrounding the protagonist and her training path. The narrative stages not only artistic performances and daily training, but also the moments of crisis and emotional resistance that emerge behind the scenes of the dance world.
The film's central message concerns identity, personal growth and the ability to listen to one's inner voice. Based on the supplied materials and synopsis, Syncopation reflects on the relationship between discipline and freedom, self-construction and the courage to make difficult choices in a highly competitive environment.
In production terms, the short is written and directed by Maria Rival, produced by Anton Rival and Dmitry Vlaskin. It is the director's first work and was created as a structured student project within a film school, with a professional rather than amateur approach. Completed on 1 June 2025, it has no stated official premiere but is intended for festivals and showcases dedicated to shorts and emerging cinema.
Film Information
Title: Syncopation
Original title: Syncopation
Direction: Maria Rival
Production: Anton Rival, Dmitry Vlaskin – Moscow School of New Cinema
Country: Russian Federation
Language: Russian
Running time: 20 minutes
Genre: Drama, Sport, Dance
Sport featured: Dance (Ballet)
Main subject(s): Anna Vyalykh, Ekaterina Simonova, Diana Sukhanova, Artur Khasanov
Completion date: 1 June 2025
Premiere: [Not specified]
Distributor: [Not specified]
Shooting format: Digital, 2.39:1, colour
Director's first film: Yes
Student project: Yes (Moscow School of New Cinema)