Inspired by the physicists who built the Soviet atomic bomb, DAU follows a brilliant Greek-born physicist through decades in the USSR. An idealist driven to uncover the laws of the universe, Dau is drawn into state service to help create one of history's deadliest weapons. In a secret research institute, his autonomy erodes as he seeks escape beyond marriage, losing himself and his capacity to love. An intimate portrait of a man seeking happiness and freedom and a vast fresco of a society founded on violence and ideology, DAU traces the small compromises that shape a life and alter history.
Born in Moscow in 1975, Ilya Khrzhanovsky is a film director and producer. His debut feature, 4(2004), won the Tiger Award at Rotterdam and other international awards. In 2006, he began the DAU project. Two DAU films were selected for the 2020 Berlinale: DAU. Natasha(2020) won the Silver Bear, while DAU. Degeneration(2020) topped international critics' ratings. His new film DAU won Best Director at the 2026 Venice IFF.
From Tokyo International Film Festival 2026, No. 39
