DEVOUT
Directed by Mariia Shcherbinina (Marusia Chernova - nickname)
Cyprus · 2026 · 3 min 31 sec · Drama
Submitted to RTV International Film Festival 2026Synopsis
A young priest appears devoted to his faith, living quietly within the walls of a church. But outside the sacred space, another side of him emerges. Through a contrast between his religious identity and his actions, the film questions whether morality can truly be defined by faith, appearance, or social expectations.
Credits
Directed by Mariia Shcherbinina (Marusia Chernova - nickname)
Director(s)
Marusia Chernova is a young filmmaker and director originally from Saint Petersburg, Russia, currently based in Cyprus. Her work focuses on psychological stories, human vulnerability and the darker sides of everyday life. She is particularly interested in combining visual storytelling with atmosphere, symbolism and unconventional narrative structures. Chernova has a background in theatre and performance and has worked on short films and audiovisual projects as a director and performer. Her filmmaking style is influenced by contemporary music, Russian cinema and experimental visual language. She is interested in stories that explore isolation, identity, obsession and the complexity of human behaviour. Her short film “Morphine” is a contemporary interpretation inspired by Mikhail Bulgakov’s work, combining psychological drama with an experimental approach to visual storytelling.
Film stills
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RTV International Film Festival — Inaugural Online Edition · 2026