RUSSIA "This film is dangerous" Artur Aristakisian defends his Mesto na zemlie (A Place on Earth, 2001) Aristakisian's second film was widely perceived to be a let-down after his astonishing debut Ladoni (Hands, 1994). Christina Stojanova introduces a text by Aristakisian, in which the director explains why the film's refusal to pander to mainstream viewers and intellectuals has caused them to fear it.

SLOVAKIA Taking off and not taking off The third Bratislava International Film Festival The Bratislava International Film Festival is fast growing in self-confidence and significance. However, Slovak film production, as Peter Hames explains, has not had the same degree of success. SLOVAKIA Demanding work, but always creative Ondrej Šulaj and Dušan Dušek interviewed Ondrej Šulaj and Dušan Dušek have written the screenplay for many of the major Slovak films over the last few decades. Peter Hames speaks to them. Keep track of what's in Kinoeye by joining our free e-mail update service. Subscribe here. Articles on Slovakia from the archives Peter Hames at the 2nd Bratislava film festival Special focus on director Martin Šulík Slovakia comes out of the closet: Vladímir Adásek

HORROR Boiling oil and baby oil Massimo Pupillo's Il Boia Scarlatto (Bloody Pit of Horror, 1965) An overlooked example of queer horror cinema, Il Boia Scarlatto both invokes and departs from the conventions of the peplum in its depiction of a sadistic—and narcissistic—male murderer. Leon Hunt explains.

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