Filmmaker sues producers to release film in U.S

The filmmaker of "The Master and Margarita," Michael Lockshin, is in a legal dispute over his Russian-language film based on a famous Soviet novel. Lockshin claims that two producers, Svetlana Migunova-Dali and Grace Loh, are blocking the film's U.S. release. The lawsuit was filed by Luminosity Pictures, Lockshin's sales agent. They allege that Migunova-Dali and Loh have no valid rights to the book. Lockshin argues that the novel is now in the public domain, meaning no one can prevent his film from being released. As the court date approaches, the producers are defending their position. Their lawyer has called the lawsuit a "sham" and urged Luminosity to withdraw it. "The Master and Margarita" has had a troubled history with adaptations. Many directors have tried to make it into a film over the years. Lockshin, however, believed he had succeeded when his film premiered in Russia, where it quickly became a box office hit. Following success in Russia, Lockshin faced personal attacks and smear campaigns for his anti-war views after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite the challenges, he hoped to bring the film to U.S. audiences after securing a partnership with Luminosity in late 2024. Producers Migunova-Dali and Loh claimed they obtained rights for their own English-language version, leading to the ongoing legal battle. The lawsuit raises questions about the ownership of the novel's rights, which have been disputed for many years. Lockshin remains confident in his legal position and hopes to release the film in the U.S. later this year. Meanwhile, the film has already secured distribution in Italy, Germany, and Austria.