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The Stone Cross (Kaminnyi khrest, 1968), based on two short stories (“The Stone Cross” and “The Thief,” both published in 1900) by Galician novelist Vasyl’ Stefanyk. The Russified Osyka initially proposed an adaptation of an Andrei Platonov story, but Tsvirkunov reportedly told Osyka, “In Ukraine we have our own Platonov, one who is closer to us.” Thereafter, the director found a Russian translation of Stefanyk, coincidentally with commentary by Platonov, believing that with this he had found the “Ukrainian Platonov.” Having discussed Stefanyk’s significance for Ukrainian culture with Osyka, Drach then agreed to write the screenplay.Read More »