Francofonia, the latest from the Russian filmmaker Alexander Sokurov, is a mediation on the twisted threads of culture, politics, history and art. At the opening, we find the director in his cramped book-lined study, talking via Skype with Captain Dirk, who’s piloting an ocean-going cargo ship that's foundering in high seas. Heavy-laden with priceless artworks from a museum, the ship begins taking on water, endangering both cargo and crew.

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