The Presidential Library invites to discuss “Silent Cinema in Russia”

On October 29, 2019 at 4 p.m. within the framework of the First St. Petersburg Historical Forum the Presidential Library and the Institute of History of St. Petersburg State University will present the film “Life for Life” (1916) where Vera Kholodnaya played the main role and a discussion of ”Silent Cinema in Russia". 

This film was created in Moscow by Russian film magnate A. Khanzhonkov and famous director E. Bauer, whose creative union was considered one of the most successful in the 1910s. The film with the “queen of the screen” Vera Kholodnaya in the main role reflected the main trends inherent in domestic cinema until 1917.

According to Elena Kashchenko, a researcher of the silent film period in Russia, “the artistic merit of the films did not always correspond to a high professional level. Russian films of the early century were featured by static and initial programming for a hopeless ending. However, this material is really of interest as a historical source”. 

These features of silent cinema can be called "growth diseases" of domestic cinema, which were soon overcome and Soviet directors declared themselves as world-class masters. However, the audience’s attitude towards silent film actors continues to be enthusiastic and grateful, where Vera Kholodnaya was first one forever.

E. A. Sylova (New Stage of the Alexandrinsky Theater) will take part in the discussion on the topic “Silent Cinema in Russia”; A. Yu. Rzheshevskaya (Lenfilm); G. A. Sokolov (State Hermitage Museum); E. V. Polyakova (St. Petersburg State University). The moderator of the discussion is E. S. Kashchenko - Ph.D., Associate Professor of St. Petersburg State University.

The cinema club meeting will take place in the multimedia hall of the Presidential Library at Senate Square, 3.

Participants of the event are requested to confirm their presence on October 28, 2019 by 10 a.m.. For admission to the Presidential Library please forward information about yourself by e-mail: smolina@prlib.ru Elena Smolina, tel. 305-16-35; 8 (921) 594-16-13.

Accreditation for media representatives is until October 28, 2019 4 p.m.

Please forward applications for accreditation following the attached form with the note “Media accreditation” to media@prlib.ru, pechnikova@prlib.ru Tatyana Pechnikova, tel. (812) 305-16-21, ext. 234; mob. +7 981 436-72-86. The applications should contain  the full name, name of the media, date and place of birth, passport data (series, number, place of registration), a list of carry-on equipment, contact numbers.

Please note that journalists enter the Presidential Library through entrance № 2 only upon prior request and upon showing a passport.