The Soviet Revolution Told Through its Cinema (2017)
A French documentary uncovering the bold artistic revolution that transformed Soviet cinema in the years following the 1917 Russian Revolution.
The Soviet Revolution Told Through its Cinema - Movie Information
- Original Title: L'utopie des images de la révolution russe
- Release Year: 2017
- Directed by: Emmanuel Hamon
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Documentary
- Runtime: 1h 27m
- Original Language: French
- Spoken Languages: French
- Release Date (Theatrical): October 12, 2017 (Russia)
- Alternative Titles: The Russian Revolution Through Its Films (UK), Russian Revolution Through Its Films (US)
- Production Companies: Les Poissons Volants
- Production Countries: France
The Soviet Revolution Told Through its Cinema - Plot
The two decades following the Russian revolution are marked by a gang of young people who profoundly influenced Russian Cinema. This artistic revolution was led by directors, actors, technicians and poets. They are the characters and voices of our film. The Soviet Actress, Ada Voistik, and its camrades tell us the story of this unique period, through the images of soviet fic-tional works produced between 1917 and 1934. We can thus catch a glimpse of their fight for a new society, where creative freedom was of utmost im-portance. A utopia which will be brought down by an authoritarian power impacting cinema as much as the rest of society.
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The Soviet Revolution Told Through its Cinema - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Emmanuel Hamon
Main Cast
- Virginie Efira
- Xavier Legrand
- Damien Chapelle
- Aurélien Recoing
- Emmanuel Salinger
Writers
- Thomas Cheysson
Producers
- Sophie Goupil
The Soviet Revolution Told Through its Cinema - FAQs
What is The Soviet Revolution Told Through its Cinema about?
The film explores the extraordinary burst of creativity that followed the Russian Revolution, focusing on the filmmakers, actors, and poets who shaped Soviet cinema between 1917 and 1934. Through archival footage and personal testimonies, it captures a generation's fight for artistic freedom before authoritarian power silenced them.
Who narrates and appears in this documentary?
The documentary features Virginie Efira, Xavier Legrand, Aurélien Recoing, Damien Chapelle, and Emmanuel Salinger, all appearing as themselves. Their voices guide viewers through the story of Soviet cinema's golden age, lending the film a rich, personal dimension.
What period of Soviet cinema does the film cover?
The documentary focuses on the two decades following the 1917 Russian Revolution, specifically examining Soviet fictional works produced between 1917 and 1934. This was the era of radical experimentation in film, before Stalin's grip tightened and creative freedom was crushed.
Is this documentary worth watching for film history fans?
Absolutely. For anyone passionate about cinema history, this is a compelling deep dive into one of film's most innovative periods. Emmanuel Hamon weaves archival Soviet footage with contemporary voices to paint a vivid portrait of artistic ambition colliding with political repression — essential viewing for cinephiles.
Who directed The Soviet Revolution Told Through its Cinema?
The documentary was directed by Emmanuel Hamon. Written by Thomas Cheysson and produced by Sophie Goupil for Les Poissons Volants, the film premiered in Russia on October 12, 2017.
What makes Soviet cinema of this era so significant?
The years following the Russian Revolution produced some of cinema's most daring innovations — montage theory, radical visual language, and films as tools of social transformation. Directors like Eisenstein and Vertov redefined what film could be, making this period foundational to the entire history of world cinema.
How long is The Soviet Revolution Told Through its Cinema?
The documentary runs for 87 minutes — just under an hour and a half. It's a focused, well-paced runtime that covers a remarkable amount of cinematic and historical ground without ever feeling rushed or padded.
What language is this documentary in?
The documentary is in French, produced in France by Les Poissons Volants. It's also known internationally as The Russian Revolution Through Its Films in the UK and Russian Revolution Through Its Films in the US, suggesting it has been distributed with subtitles for English-speaking audiences.
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