Kharkiv through the lens of filmmakers Cover Image

Харків в об’єктиві кінематографістів
Kharkiv through the lens of filmmakers

Author(s): Yurii Samusenko
Subject(s): Cultural history, Media studies, Architecture, Visual Arts, Recent History (1900 till today), Film / Cinema / Cinematography
Published by: RUTA, z.s.
Keywords: Kharkiv; cinema; resilience; architecture; repression; identity;

Summary/Abstract: Exploring the cinematic history of Kharkiv, this piece delves into how filmmakers have captured the city’s essence through various eras. From the constructivist architecture that attracted Russian directors to the evocative depictions of wartime resilience, Kharkiv’s portrayal in film reflects its dynamic spirit. Notable works include Friedrich Ermler’s “Fragment of an Empire,” which contrasts the city’s industrial progress with the protagonist’s struggle to adapt to communist values, and Dmitry Dalsky’s “Sketches of a Soviet City,” a documentary celebrating Kharkiv’s urban development. The narrative also touches on the controversial “Bezhin Meadow” by Sergei Eisenstein, banned for its anti-Soviet content, and the road movie “To the Black Sea” by Andrei Tutishkin, showcasing Ukraine’s landmarks. The article highlights the evolution of Ukrainian cinema, moving away from Russian narratives, as seen in films like “Tango of Death” by Alexander Muratov and “House of ‘Word’” by Taras Tomenko, which reflect on political repression and cultural identity.

  • Issue Year: 2024
  • Issue No: 01
  • Page Range: 66-68
  • Page Count: 3
  • Language: Ukrainian
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