The loss was reported by the National Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine and the Odessa Film Studio. The cause and circumstances of the director’s death are not specified.
“Cinema is not a profession, it is a state of mind. It is the ability to see the world a little brighter than it is, and to share this light with others,” Novak was quoted as saying in his obituary. There, the deceased was called one of the last classics of the large Odessa film studio.
Novak began his cinematic career in the 1950s at the Kyiv film studio named after Alexander Dovzhenko, but worked almost all his life at the Odessa film studio.
“Odessa for me is not just a city. It is the air that you breathe, and the sea that gives you strength to shoot even when it seems that everything has already been said,” said the director.
Novak's films received awards at international festivals. And even at an advanced age, the director continued to work. In 2021, he released the film “Why I'm Alive”, which was recognized as the best at the Europe Film Festival in the UK and the international film festival Future of Film Awards.
“The Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine expresses sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Villen Zakharovich. This is a great loss for everyone who had the honor of knowing the Master and working with him. “Art should make a person better. If after the film there is at least a little warmth left in the viewer’s heart, it means that my work was not in vain.” Farewell, Vilen Zakharovich. You did not work in vain, and therefore the grateful memory of you will be long,” the obituary says.
Film expert Evgeny Zhenin said on Facebook that Novak died on March 29 in the hospital.
Context
Novak is People's Artist of Ukraine, corresponding member of the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine, member of the National Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine.
The most famous films: “Ring” (1973), “Invasion” (1980), “Goo-ga” (1989), “Wild Love” (1993), “The Princess on the Beans” (1997).
