Projects matching: Margy Kinmonth

Synopsis

A bold and exciting feature documentary that encapsulates a momentous period in the history of Russia and the Russian Avant-Garde. Drawing on the collections of major Russian institutions, contributions from contemporary artists, curators, and performers and personal testimony from the descendants of those involved, the film brings the artists of the Russian Avant-Garde to life. It tells the stories of artists like Chagall, Kandinsky, Malevich and others – pioneers who flourished in response to the Utopian challenge of building a New Art for a New World, only to be broken by implacable authority after 15 short years. Stalin’s rise to power marked the close of this momentous period, consigning the Avant Garde to obscurity. Yet the Russian Avant-Garde continues to exert a lasting influence over art movements up to the present day. Revolution - New Art for a New World confirms this, exploring the fascination that these colourful paintings, inventive sculptures and propaganda posters retain over the modern consciousness 100 years on.

Synopsis

“Hermitage Revealed" tells the story of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg - one of the largest and most visited museums in the world. Holding over 3 million objects and boasting more curators than any other museum, this special film investigates remarkable stories of dedication, devotion, ownership and ultimate sacrifice, showing how the collection came about, how it survived tumultuous revolutionary times and what makes the Hermitage unique today.

The film access the museum’s director, curators and historical eyewitnesses and feature significant objects from the Hermitage’s collection, whose stories thread throughout the film. The film reveals the workings of the Hermitage by going behind the scenes to observe the restorers, artists, archives and rare, hidden treasures not on show to the public in the world’s largest museum open storage complex. 

During its 250 year history, the Hermitage transposed from an Imperial Palace to a State Museum. Its story is Russia’s history in microcosm.