We created a GatheringUs memorial to celebrate the life of Serge Rakhlin. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort. Click on the heart to let us know you were here and to receive email updates. Thank you for contributing to this lasting memorial.
OBITUARY
On January 21 2022, at the age of 78, our beloved father Sergei Rakhlin passed away. After a year of fighting cancer like a true warrior, he took his final breath peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Words cannot express our loss and our world will never be the same again. He was truly a one of a kind human being who always put others first without expecting anything in return. His humble, generous and joyous spirit uplifted... see more
On January 21 2022, at the age of 78, our beloved father Sergei Rakhlin passed away.
After a year of fighting cancer like a true warrior, he took his final breath peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Words cannot express our loss and our world will never be the same again. He was truly a one of a kind human being who always put others first without expecting anything in return. His humble, generous and joyous spirit uplifted many around him. His resilience showed us the true heights and strength of the human spirit and what it is capable of.
While enduring the unimaginable and living his last weeks, he still told anecdots and made us laugh. Through the darkness of his experience, he found a way to spark the brightest light in us all and leave his wisdom and legacy for us to carry forward.
Thank you for your selfless love and support and for showing us the way. We will miss you, papa. But we know that you are always with us.
Sergei touched the hearts of so many. Please join us in sharing your love and memories of Sergei on this virtual tribute platform.
Sergei was a passionate supporter of international film. I remember fondly our discussions in Karlovy Vary at the film festival and his loyal attendance at screenings of independent films over the years. He loved to discover new filmmakers and... moreSergei was a passionate supporter of international film. I remember fondly our discussions in Karlovy Vary at the film festival and his loyal attendance at screenings of independent films over the years. He loved to discover new filmmakers and appreciated the masters. He was knowledgeable, courteous and discerning. A great asset to the HFPA. My thoughts are with his elegant wife Emilia and son Nick. less
Oh, dearest Sergei. I am still in shock. Still processing it. We joined the HFPA like some sort of Twinship. Buddies till the end, with so many Thank Yous going his way, Family. Sergei Dear was a Mentor and walking Dictionary. Fun, kind, a diplomat who... moreOh, dearest Sergei. I am still in shock. Still processing it. We joined the HFPA like some sort of Twinship. Buddies till the end, with so many Thank Yous going his way, Family. Sergei Dear was a Mentor and walking Dictionary. Fun, kind, a diplomat who brought with him joy and light. less
He was a charming gentleman with a wealth of knowledge both politically and super knowledgeable about film. I will miss his interaction with me. He will be greatly missed.
Sergei always had a story to tell, especially he loved telling humorous stories. I could listen to him for hours, never got bored. Kind smile for a friend, love and care for his family - you will be greatly missed. Milochka, my thoughts and prayers are... moreSergei always had a story to tell, especially he loved telling humorous stories. I could listen to him for hours, never got bored. Kind smile for a friend, love and care for his family - you will be greatly missed. Milochka, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
Olena Nicholas less
Sergei was the kindest man. I would light up every time I got to see him and give him a heavily accented "privet" along with a hug. He will be so missed by so many. My deepest condolences to you all.
Such a kind and gentle soul. I enjoyed listening to his childhood stories in Russia. I considered him a friend. I regret that in the past two years, we lost contact. I did not know that he was ill. It was a shock to hear of his passing. Can't... moreSuch a kind and gentle soul. I enjoyed listening to his childhood stories in Russia. I considered him a friend. I regret that in the past two years, we lost contact. I did not know that he was ill. It was a shock to hear of his passing. Can't imagine not seeing Sergei again. Dear Emilia and Nick I am deeply sorry for your loss and offer my sincere condolences.
Noemia Y less
Serge was one of the kindest man I have known at the HFPA, he was a very dedicated man; besides working at the Foreign Film Committee, he was also a Board member, Executive Secretary and Financial Controller for many years and he's fun to be around!... moreSerge was one of the kindest man I have known at the HFPA, he was a very dedicated man; besides working at the Foreign Film Committee, he was also a Board member, Executive Secretary and Financial Controller for many years and he's fun to be around! Serge will be sorely missed at the HFPA. less
Sergei looked very sick on the last couple of zoom meetings. I refused to accept the fact that he was dying. We talked about his favorite subject: foreign movies, especially Italian movies. He was a big fan of Paolo Sorrentino, but we did not have time... moreSergei looked very sick on the last couple of zoom meetings. I refused to accept the fact that he was dying. We talked about his favorite subject: foreign movies, especially Italian movies. He was a big fan of Paolo Sorrentino, but we did not have time to discuss the nominated movie, “La mano di Dio”. Many years ago, he told me how lovely it would be to have all of us writing for an HFPA website. I couldn’t imagine it then, but today, 2022, we can all go to goldenglobe.com and see his dream come true. Sergei served the Association with love, respect, and good humor. He was kind, generous and passionate for the Foreign Film Symposium. He never said anything bad or negative about anybody. We will miss you, but your spirit and memory is with us forever. less
Lynn Tso
I'm shocked and sadden by Serge's passing. His love and enthusiasm for films and story telling made him a force to be reckoned with, and his smile and kindness will always stay with us. Rest In Peace, Serge.
Serge was one of the kindest people I have met in L.A. I will miss his stories. He was so knowledgeable. Serge always had a smile on his face and he always stopped to ask me how I was doing. You are missed, Serge.
Sergei was my friend and confidant for over forty years. He meant much in my life, and I intend to dedicate my forthcoming book devoted to my life in America (a book project at the moment) to his memory. Good people may stop breathing but they never die...
Сергей был красноречивым оратором, его всегда было приятно слушать. Ниже его интервью для Санкт-Петербургского государственного института кино и телевидения.