The "Word" House: a film about the 1930s with an unexpectedly modern flavor Cover Image

Будинок „Слово“: фільм про 1930-ті з несподівано сучасним присмаком
The "Word" House: a film about the 1930s with an unexpectedly modern flavor

Author(s): Oleh Kotsarev
Subject(s): Cultural history, Media studies, Political Sciences, Political history, History of Communism, Film / Cinema / Cinematography
Published by: RUTA, z.s.
Keywords: Soviet oppression; Ukrainian writers; Slovo building; NKVD; censorship; resilience;

Summary/Abstract: The film “House of the Word: An Endless Novel” delves into the lives of Ukrainian writers during the early 1930s, a period marked by Soviet oppression. Set in the iconic “Slovo” building in Kharkiv, the narrative follows the young poet Volodymyr Akimov, who, despite his mediocre talent, seeks literary fame. As he mingles with prominent figures like Mykola Khvylovy and Pavlo Tychyna, Akimov’s journey takes a dark turn when he becomes an informant for the NKVD. The film captures the intense atmosphere of censorship, repression, and the tragic fates of the “Executed Renaissance” writers. The visual storytelling, enriched by Alla Zagaykevych’s music, and the symbolic use of light and shadow, highlight the era’s brutality and the resilience of Ukrainian culture. The portrayal of Raïsa Troyanker brings a fresh perspective on gender dynamics within this historical context.

  • Issue Year: 2024
  • Issue No: 03
  • Page Range: 55-58
  • Page Count: 4
  • Language: Ukrainian
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