About this Event
THE LITTLE KARATEKA
Before he can face his opponent, he must find his footing.
A new town. A hostile school. And suddenly, news no child should have to face.
Twelve-year-old Sasha is sent to stay with his aunt in Pyatigorsk while his doctor parents work in Africa. Far from everything familiar, he struggles with isolation and bullying. Then his parents disappear during a devastating storm, leaving him caught between fear and uncertainty.
An unexpected friendship with Masha leads him to her father’s karate dojo. There, training gives his days a new rhythm: turn up, listen, try again. Gradually, anger gives way to discipline, and a boy who feels powerless begins to discover what he can do.
As a championship confrontation approaches, Sasha has more at stake than a trophy. He must find the courage to stand up for himself — and the strength to keep going when life offers no easy answers.
REAL TRAINING. A PERSONAL INSPIRATION.
The idea behind The Little Karateka draws on actor and producer Roman Kurtsyn’s own childhood experience of bullying and finding confidence through martial arts. Kurtsyn has described preparing 70 young pupils from his karate and stunt school for eight months before filming.
Starring Miron Provorov alongside Roman Kurtsyn, Kirill Pletnev, Polina Maksimova and MMA fighter Magomed Ismailov, the film brings sporting action together with a story of friendship, mentorship and resilience.
The Little Karateka received the Best Feature Film award at the 2026 Karakuz Film Festival, where winners were chosen by audience vote.
IN COMPETITION AT SIFFA 2026
Join us for The Little Karateka as part of the SIFFA 2026 competition programme and children’s programme — a sporting drama that opens a conversation about bullying, belonging and the people who help us grow.
ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Aleksey Alferov directs this sports drama, following Sasha’s journey from an unfamiliar classroom to the karate dojo and the championship arena. At the heart of the story is a young person learning how to face both an opponent and his own fears.
SCREENING DETAILS
Saturday 21 November 2026
2:30 pm–4:10 pm
Vue London Piccadilly · Screen 2
19 Lower Regent Street, London SW1Y 4LR
Director: Aleksey Alferov
Year: 2026
Running time: 101 minutes
Genre: Sports Drama / Family / Action
Book your seat and follow Sasha from the edge of the crowd to the centre of the arena.
TICKETS & AGE GUIDANCE
Adult admission: £10 plus booking fees.
Children under 15: free, with advance booking required for each child.
Event venue & nearby stays
Vue London Piccadilly, 19 Regent Street, London, United Kingdom
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