Ilyenko's film is an almost wordless meditation on an elderly peasant facing death through memories and apparitions, and Soviet authorities kept it off screens until 1987. It helped define the Ukrainian poetic cinema movement alongside Sergei Parajanov. If you care about film history or Ukrainian culture, this restoration is a rare chance to see it projected.
What to expect
A restored black-and-white classic with very little dialogue. Expect a visual, dreamlike film that works best watched without distractions. Its striking images of an elderly man in a vanishing village linger long after the lights come up.
Good to know
- Take the 1 train to 66 St-Lincoln Center.
- Festival screenings can sell out; check for rush or standby seats.
- Arrive early; latecomers may not be seated once the film starts.
- There is very little dialogue.
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Common questions
Why was the film suppressed?
Soviet authorities shelved it after it was made in 1965, and it was not released until 1987.
What was restored?
It was restored from the original 35mm camera negative held at the Dovzhenko Center in Kyiv.
Which program is it in?
NYFF Revivals.
