ICA screens three absorbing and pertinent documentaries on modern Russia.
KHODORKOVSKY
2-8 March 2012, ICA
Set to a gorgeous Arvo Pärt score dedicated to Khodorkovsky, this is the story of the eponymous Russian oligarch who has been in a Siberian prison since 2003 on contested tax evasion charges. Twice stolen by mysterious forces during both its post-production and also on the cusp of its World Premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, this is one of the most contentious and thought-provoking documentaries of recent years.Ostensibly Khodorkovsky is an account of the rise and fall of one of Russia's first wave of oligarchs. Propelled to immense wealth by his acquisition of the state-owned oil company Yukos, at a fraction of its market value, Khodorkovsky was at one time the world's richest man under 40. This fascinating documentary looks at his personal fate once he began to publically oppose Putin and delivers an excoriating view of contemporary Russia. Mixing animation, documentary and the only existing interview of Khodorkovsky since his incarceration in 2003, this is a truly breath-taking depiction of power, corruption and lies - told with surprising candour and good deal of humour. Essential viewing on the eve of Putin's bid for re-election.
Director Q&A
The director Cyril Tuschi will be joined by award-winning Guardian foreign correspondent Luke Harding for a Q&A session after the 6.15pm screening on 2 March.
HOW TO RE-ESTABLISH A VODKA EMPIRE
16-23 March 2012, ICA
When British born Daniel Edelstyn discovers his great-grandmother, Ilya Zorokovich's, journal in the attic of the family home it opens his eyes to a personal history which at once provides a dizzying history of the collapse of capitalism and subsequent rise of the Soviet Union. But italso begins a moving portrait of Daniel's unlikely connection to a seemingly distant land that time forgot. Ilya Zorokovich led a colourful life as a dancer, painter and writer and Daniel's curiosity about this woman and his family history leads to a visit to the run-down village of Dubouviazovka where he discovers a vodka distillery once owned by his family before it was seized in the 1917 Russian Revolution and the Zorokovich family forced to flee across Europe. A century later Daniel decides to document his attempts to restart the family vodka distillery and use it as a socialist project to rejuvenate the life of Dubouviazovka. It's an amazing story told with all the glee of an amateur, yet naturally gifted filmmaker who combines witty historical recreations with an intimate account of his own family history as he tries to resurrect his great-grandparents’ fading legacy.
Director Q&A
Join the director, Daniel Edelstyn, for Q&A on Friday 16 Mar at 4pm and and also 6.30pm.There will also be a special vodka tasting of Zorokovich 1917 Vodka for these two screenings only!
PUTIN’S KISS
25 March 2012, ICA
Meet Masha, a 19-year-old who grew up under Putin, on her journey through the Nashi youth movement - a coming-of-age tale that focuses on Masha's personal ethical struggle and paints a grim picture of the Russian political moral climate. Under Putin, the average Russian family enjoyed a life like they had never known before and many see him as the one to lead Russia back to being a global superpower. Masha grows up with this belief, wholeheartedly supporting Putin and seeking to rid Russia of its "enemies"- aka the opposition. But when Masha comes into direct contact with members of the opposition, in particular fellow journalists such as OIeg Kashin, she begins to question Nashi and its leaders. Soon Masha finds herself closer with her journalist friends than her Nashi comrades. Ultimately, she faces a choice between the two groups. A shocking event pushes Masha to take a decision in the end, highlighting the costs of her internal struggle as well as the ever-increasing political stakes in Russia today.
Director Q&A
The screening will be followed by a discussion with film director, Lise Birk Pedersen.
For more information and to book tickets please visit the ICA website.