Question 1

Why did filming of King of Thieves halt in 2001?

Accepted Answer

Filming halted in January 2001 due to financing issues, with fifteen shooting days remaining. Director Ivan Fíla showed a rough cut to potential backers, and producer Rudolph Biermann helped finance completion in 2003.

Question 2

How long did it take to cast the role of Barbu?

Accepted Answer

Casting the role of Barbu took two years. Director Ivan Fíla auditioned over three hundred boys in several European countries before finding Iakov Kultiasov at a circus school in Saint Petersburg.

Question 3

What circus training did the young actors undergo?

Accepted Answer

Iakov Kultiasov and Julia Khanverdieva trained for a year with a circus teacher in Prague to learn the specific circus skills required for their roles as Barbu and Mimma.

Question 4

How old was Iakov Kultiasov when filming started and ended?

Accepted Answer

Iakov Kultiasov was eight when filming began in 2000 and twelve when it was completed in 2003. He did not grow during the three-year break, later telling the director he promised not to grow until the film was finished.

Question 5

What inspired Ivan Fíla to write King of Thieves?

Accepted Answer

Ivan Fíla conceived the idea in 1992 in Milan after meeting street kids stealing from tourists. He visited their camps and talked to them; the film is based on many of their real-life stories.

King of Thieves

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