Journal

Explore interviews, videos, and essays from guest filmmakers, critics, and the Klassiki team.

Lana Gogoberidze on women’s cinema and her trailblazing career
Lana Gogoberidze on women’s cinema and her trailblazing career
By Alexia Claydon, Posted 30 June 2022
A rare interview with the groundbreaking Georgian director.
The Politics of Watching: documentary visions of the Ukrainian East
By Victoria Donovan and Darya Tsymbalyuk, Posted 14 July 2022
Picturing Donbas in times of war.
“The noise grows loud, until it eats us up”: how Juris Podnieks captured a generation on the edge in eighties Latvia
“The noise grows loud, until it eats us up”: how Juris Podnieks captured a generation on the edge in eighties Latvia
By Carmen Gray, Posted 11 August 2022
Documenting youth culture in perestroika-era Latvia.
Coming to Klassiki in July
Coming to Klassiki in July
By Alexia Claydon, Posted 23 June 2022
Coming up on Klassiki this July.
Nora Martirosyan and Garegin Papoyan on the ironies of Stepanakert airport
Nora Martirosyan and Garegin Papoyan on the ironies of Stepanakert airport
By Sam Goff, Posted 26 May 2022
Two Armenian directors on the challenges of capturing Artsakh life
Landscapes of Collective Fate: political resonances of nature in Armenian cinema
Landscapes of Collective Fate: political resonances of nature in Armenian cinema
By Vigen Galstyan, Posted 19 May 2022
Armenian film has evolved a subversive relationship with...
The literary genius and cinematic legacy of Hrant Matevosyan
The literary genius and cinematic legacy of Hrant Matevosyan
By Tatevik Ayvazyan, Posted 12 May 2022
Tatevik Ayvazyan on the film adaptations of an Armenian literary ...
Deep Dive: Roxy Toporowych
Deep Dive: Roxy Toporowych
By Sam Goff, Posted 14 April 2022
We speak with the Ukrainian-American director about her romantic...
The Klassiki Academy: our guide to the Oscar noms that should have been
The Klassiki Academy: our guide to the Oscar noms that should have been
By Justine Waddell, Posted 24 March 2022
Our picks for Best International Film, from Armenia to Kazakhstan.
Deep Dive: Yura Borisov on working with Kirill Serebrennikov
Deep Dive: Yura Borisov on working with Kirill Serebrennikov
By Sam Goff, Posted 17 February 2022
The versatile actor talks about his role in Kirill Serebrennikov’...
Time’s Tricks: fantasy and reality in Kirill Serebrennikov’s Petrov’s Flu
Time’s Tricks: fantasy and reality in Kirill Serebrennikov’s Petrov’s Flu
By Anton Bitel, Posted 17 February 2022
Past, present, and future collide in the director’s latest ...
Celebrating Klassiki’s first birthday
Celebrating Klassiki’s first birthday
By Justine Waddell, Posted 4 February 2022
Celebrating a year of cinema from Russia, Ukraine and Central ...
How Soviet audiences fell in love with Sherlock Holmes
How Soviet audiences fell in love with Sherlock Holmes
By Sam Goff, Posted 30 December 2021
What is behind Russia’s long history of onscreen Sherlockmania?
Lev Kuleshov: the man who taught Soviet film to change the world
Lev Kuleshov: the man who taught Soviet film to change the world
By Sam Goff, Posted 25 November 2021
Modern film editing was born in the Soviet avant-garde of ...
Sakha Film: an interview with Dmitry Davydov
Sakha Film: an interview with Dmitry Davydov
By Sam Goff, Posted 4 November 2021
The director of Sakha hit The Bonfire discusses his career ...
Sakha Film: the history of a post-Soviet cultural phenomenon
Sakha Film: the history of a post-Soviet cultural phenomenon
By Adelaide McGinity-Peebles, Posted 21 October 2021
Sakha Film: The Lord Eagle stars Zoya Popova and Stepan Petrov in their own words
Sakha Film: The Lord Eagle stars Zoya Popova and Stepan Petrov in their own words
By Maria Sibiryakova, Posted 14 October 2021
Deep Dive: Maks Sukhanov
Deep Dive: Maks Sukhanov
By Justine Waddell, Posted 7 October 2021
Favourite 5: Sam Goff
Favourite 5: Sam Goff
By Sam Goff, Posted 9 September 2021
Klassiki editor Sam Goff picks five of his favourites from ...
Deep Dive: Sergei Livnev
Deep Dive: Sergei Livnev
By Sam Goff, Posted 31 August 2021
We speak to Sergei Livnev about his return to directing ...
Ali Khamraev and the idea of the Soviet auteur
Ali Khamraev and the idea of the Soviet auteur
By Sam Goff, Posted 17 August 2021
Ali Khamraev challenges our notion of individuality in Soviet film.
Deep Dive: Ali Khamraev
Deep Dive: Ali Khamraev
By Sam Goff, Posted 24 August 2021
We speak with Uzbek master Ali Khamraev, subject of a ...
Favourite 5: Olga Doletskaya
Favourite 5: Olga Doletskaya
By Olga Doletskaya, Posted 10 August 2021
Klassiki curator Olga Doletskaya shares her highlights.
Valeria Gai Germanika: from queen of punk to Christian provocatrice
Valeria Gai Germanika: from queen of punk to Christian provocatrice
By Olga Doletskaya, Posted 28 July 2021
Valeria Gai Germanika's journey from queen of...
6 Months of Klassiki: August
6 Months of Klassiki: August
By Justine Waddell, Posted 3 August 2021
Klassiki turns six months: what to look forward to in ...
Dziga Vertov and the foundations of Soviet documentary
Dziga Vertov and the foundations of Soviet documentary
By Sandra Radenovic, Posted 16 June 2022
A look at Dziga Vertov’s profound influence on Soviet ...
Favourite 5: Documentaries
Favourite 5: Documentaries
By Sandra Radenovic, Posted 20 July 2021
A look at some of the best documentaries in the ...
Russian Cinema: Key Films from Every Era
Russian Cinema: Key Films from Every Era
By Sandra Radenovic, Posted 13 July 2021
A brief introduction of where to start in Russian and ...
Kirill Serebrennikov’s place in Russian cinema
Kirill Serebrennikov’s place in Russian cinema
By Olga Doletskaya, Posted 6 July 2021
Exploring filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov's long career.
Klassiki in July
Klassiki in July
By Justine Waddell, Posted 5 July 2021
Things to look forward to in July.
Favourite 5: Contemporary Female Directors
Favourite 5: Contemporary Female Directors
By Sandra Radenovic, Posted 29 June 2021
Klassiki curator explores our five favourite female filmmakers from the ...
Favourite 5: LGBTQ+ Films From the Region
Favourite 5: LGBTQ+ Films From the Region
By Olga Doletskaya, Posted 24 June 2021
A list of queer gems from the region to watch ...
Deep Dive: Assel Aushakimova on her film Welcome to the USA
Deep Dive: Assel Aushakimova on her film Welcome to the USA
By Olga Doletskaya, Posted 22 June 2021
Assel Aushakimova discusses casting queer roles, Kazakh filmmaking and cult ...
Favourite 5: Red Westerns and Osterns
Favourite 5: Red Westerns and Osterns
By Seraphina Paisey
Understanding the strange phenomena of Red Westerns and 'Osterns', easterly ...
Favourite 5: Hans Christian Andersen Films
Favourite 5: Hans Christian Andersen Films
By Seraphina Paisey
The best Hans Christian Andersen adaptations from Disney to Soyuzmultfilm
Klassiki in June
Klassiki in June
By Justine Waddell, Posted 1 June 2021
The joy of Ukrainian cinema, from Aleksandr Dovzhenko to Kira ...
Favourite 5: Ukrainian Cinema
Favourite 5: Ukrainian Cinema
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 1 June 2021
The joy of Ukrainian cinema, from Oleksandr Dovzhenko to Kira ...
I’m Familiar with These Places
I’m Familiar with These Places
By Adham Smart, Posted 25 May 2021
A poetic exploration of Frunze Dovlatyan's 'Hello, It's Me!' ...
The kaleidoscopic shadow cast by Sergei Parajanov
The kaleidoscopic shadow cast by Sergei Parajanov
By Nouritza MATOSSIAN, Posted 24 May 2021
Nouritza Matossian on Parajanov's Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors.
Joseph Brodsky: a life in exile
Joseph Brodsky: a life in exile
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 20 May 2021
A reflection on Joseph Brodsky, a Russian poet and exile.
Favourite 5: Georgian Films
Favourite 5: Georgian Films
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 18 May 2021
Klassiki favourites of Georgian cinema, from silent to poetic.
Favourite 5: Films about Family
Favourite 5: Films about Family
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 11 May 2021
Our favourite five films about families, perfect and imperfect.
Aleksei German’s War
Aleksei German’s War
By Sam Goff, Posted 6 May 2021
Twenty Days is a turning point in Soviet film history.
Hidden Gem: Seraphina Paisey
Hidden Gem: Seraphina Paisey
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 4 May 2021
Armenian Film Festival ‘Under Soviet Skies’
Armenian Film Festival ‘Under Soviet Skies’
By Talitha Piggott, Posted 4 May 2021
A festival of classic films from Armenia, Georgia, Russia and ...
Favourite 5: Armenian Cinema
Favourite 5: Armenian Cinema
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 27 April 2021
Our top Armenian titles to honour their contributions to cinema.
Favourite 5: Oscar Winning Films
Favourite 5: Oscar Winning Films
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 20 April 2021
Our favourite winners, nominees and should-have-beens on Klassiki.
Favourite 5: Peter Bradshaw
Favourite 5: Peter Bradshaw
By Peter Bradshaw, Posted 13 April 2021
Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw picks his Klassiki favourites.
Exploring Soviet Space on Film
Exploring Soviet Space on Film
By Sam Goff, Posted 8 April 2021
A brief history from Aelita to Kin-Dza-Dza!
Deep Dive: Boris Akopov & The Bull
Deep Dive: Boris Akopov & The Bull
By Olga Doletskaya, Posted 6 April 2021
Akopov talks about 90s nostalgia, professional ballet and Soviet film
SOVIET SPACE: Celebrating Space Flight
SOVIET SPACE: Celebrating Space Flight
By Talitha Piggott
The 60th Anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's first human spaceflight.
Hidden Gem: Olga Doletskaya
Hidden Gem: Olga Doletskaya
By Olga Doletskaya, Posted 29 March 2021
Curator Olga Doletskaya chooses her favourite hidden gem of the ...
Favourite 5: Must-See Russian Classics
Favourite 5: Must-See Russian Classics
By Seraphina Paisey
Introducing the foundations of Russian cinema.
Favourite 5: Films to Help You Learn Russian
Favourite 5: Films to Help You Learn Russian
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 6 April 2021
The perfect films to aid your Russian language journey.
Deep Dive: Saodat Ismailova on her film 40 Days
Deep Dive: Saodat Ismailova on her film 40 Days
By Olga Doletskaya, Posted 24 March 2021
On independent filmmaking in Central Asia and female histories on ...
Favourite 5: Theatre Adaptations
Favourite 5: Theatre Adaptations
By Seraphina Paisey
From stage to screen, our top five theatre adaptations.
Happy National Puppy Day!
Happy National Puppy Day!
By Seraphina Paisey
White Bim Black Ear, the best dog film of all ...
Exploring Rachid Nougmanov’s The Needle
Exploring Rachid Nougmanov’s The Needle
By Caroline Ridler, Posted 19 March 2021
Tsoi scholar Caroline Ridler on Nougmanov's The Needle.
Hidden Gem: Talitha Piggott
Hidden Gem: Talitha Piggott
By Talitha Piggott, Posted 16 March 2021
Programme Director Talitha Piggott chooses Gorky Film treasures.
Favourite 5: Family Films to watch this Mother’s Day
Favourite 5: Family Films to watch this Mother’s Day
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 9 March 2021
Our favourite family-friendly films for Mother's Day.
Favourite 5: Films from Female Directors for IWD
Favourite 5: Films from Female Directors for IWD
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 2 March 2021
In celebration of female filmmakers for International Women’s Day.
Favourite 5: Adaptations for World Book Day
Favourite 5: Adaptations for World Book Day
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 2 March 2021
Our favourite screen adaptations from our Library.
Hidden Gem: Joseph Andreyev
Hidden Gem: Joseph Andreyev
By Joe Andreyev, Posted 2 March 2021
Senior curator Joe Andreyev chooses a hidden treasure.
Deep Dive: Angelina Nikonova on her film Twilight Portrait
Deep Dive: Angelina Nikonova on her film Twilight Portrait
By Olga Doletskaya, Posted 22 February 2021
Angelina Nikonova on Twilight Portrait, bad reviews and festival wins
Deep Dive: Aleksandr Lungin on his film Great Poetry
Deep Dive: Aleksandr Lungin on his film Great Poetry
By Olga Doletskaya, Posted 18 February 2021
Aleksandr Lungin speaks about filming 'Great Poetry'...
Favourite 5: Love Stories this Valentine’s Day
Favourite 5: Love Stories this Valentine’s Day
By Seraphina Paisey, Posted 12 February 2021
We’ve selected five of our favourite love stories on ...
Favourite 5: Justine Waddell
Favourite 5: Justine Waddell
By Justine Waddell, Posted 5 February 2021
Klassiki founder Justine Waddell shares with us her five favourite ...
Become a Member of Klassiki
Become a Member of Klassiki
Posted 4 February 2021
If you’re a fan of Eastern European cinema, or ...
What is Klassiki?
What is Klassiki?
Posted 4 February 2021
Klassiki ('Hopscotch in Russian’) is the first ever streaming platform ...
Everything you need to know about Klassiki
Everything you need to know about Klassiki
Posted 4 February 2021
Welcome to Klassiki! Your new home for cinema from Eastern ...
Why Klassiki?
Why Klassiki?
By Justine Waddell, Posted 4 February 2021
We want to bring you bold, thoughtful, unusual films.