Film director Natalia Konchalovskaya has named an unexpected drawback of Moscow, stating that the Russian capital lacks a sea or mountains.
Speaking in an interview with urban lifestyle publication Moskvich Mag, the filmmaker highlighted the geographical features as the primary natural elements missing from the city's landscape.
Konchalovskaya, who is the daughter of acclaimed Russian movie director Andrei Konchalovsky, explained that despite this missing natural element, she considers several aspects of Moscow to be major advantages for its residents.
She praised the capital for its wide streets, expansive sky, and the variety of parks and public squares scattered throughout the city.
Among the city's various neighborhoods, Konchalovskaya singled out the historic Basmanny District as her favorite area, attributing her preference to its distinctive architecture. Located in the central administrative zone of Moscow, the neighborhood is widely recognized for its preserved pre-revolutionary structures and cultural heritage.
City atmosphere and resident traits
When asked about the defining characteristics of Muscovites that set them apart from inhabitants of other cities, the director noted that she does not know many native residents of the capital.
She observed, however, that people currently living in Moscow tend to be distinguished primarily by a constant sense of haste and impatience in their daily lives.
Konchalovskaya is part of a prominent artistic family in Russia. Her father, Andrei Konchalovsky, has built an international career in filmmaking over several decades, earning numerous festival awards and critical recognition.
Family connections to Moscow landmarks
Her comments follow earlier statements made by another member of the film dynasty regarding iconic landmarks in the capital.
Maria, who is the granddaughter of Andrei Konchalovsky and daughter of film producer Yegor Konchalovsky, previously recalled her childhood impressions of the city's skyline.
She revealed that as a child she believed the landmark main building of Moscow State University was the local equivalent of Hogwarts from the Harry Potter stories. Moscow State University, founded in the 18th century, operates from a central 36-story skyscraper that remains one of the city's most recognizable architectural monuments.
