Rumors and scandals are brewing around Alexei Uchitel's new feature film "Matilda". Orthodox Christian activists and some deputies of the State Duma clamour against the film director's interpretation of historical events.

      The filmmakers have been accused of denigrating the image of Nicholas II and insulting the feelings of believers. Representatives of the Russian cinema have stood up for the colleagues and written an open letter that speaks out against the return of censorship in culture. Filmmakers have declared that they want to live in a secular state, and demanded authorities at all levels to comply with the constitution.

      The historical film by Alexei Uchitel tells about the famous ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre - Matilda Kshesinskaia - and her complicated and ambiguous relationship with Nicholas II. The film director points out in an interview that the Orthodox community is eager to impose its own ideas on the society.