Category: Featured

Andrei Rublev: A Film that Redefined Cinema

Hailed as a magnum opus, Andrei Rublev is an emblematic film that has left a profound impact on cinema. This is a film not just to be watched, but to be experienced. Its hypnotic visuals, philosophical musings, and the exploration of the human condition are as mesmerizing as they are thought-provoking. The film, directed by …

Continue reading

The Evolution of Björk’s Sound: From Electro Pop to Experimental Breakthroughs

Born Björk Guðmundsdóttir on this day November 21, 1965, Björk, an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and composer, has consistently pushed the boundaries of music throughout her illustrious career. She first gained global recognition as the lead vocalist of the Sugarcubes, an alternative rock band known for their eclectic sound that meshed punk, pop, and electronic …

Continue reading

Mastermind Behind Nintendo’s Iconic Creations: The Legacy of Shigeru Miyamoto

Born on this day November 16, 1952 in Kyoto, Japan, Shigeru Miyamoto, the man often cited as the godfather of modern video gaming, has massively influenced the industry and culture of interactive entertainment. His creative genius has been instrumental in shaping Nintendo’s iconic creations and establishing it as a major player in the global gaming …

Continue reading

Soviet Film Wednesday: Seasons

Seasons, made in 1969, is one of the most beloved Russian animations, directed by Yuri Norstein and Ivan Ivanov-Vano, with the music of Tchaikovsky. You can find this and four other animations by Norstein: The Battle of Kerzhenets, Fox and Rabbit, The Heron and the Crane, and Hedgehog in the Fog, all on DVD in Masters of …

Continue reading

On This Day: ‘Hatful of Hollow’ by The Smiths

Released on this day November 12, 1984, Hatful of Hollow by The Smiths is not just an album; it is a cultural artifact that has wielded an enduring influence on the music industry since its release in 1984. The Smiths, an English rock band formed in Manchester, were known for their unique blend of rock …

Continue reading

Soviet Film Wednesday: Hedgehog in the Fog

Today we have another wonderful Yuri Norstein film, Hedgehog in the Fog.  Norstein is best known for this animation, as well as his Tale of Tales.  Hedgehog in the Fog was directed by Norstein, written by Sergei Kozlov, with music by Mikhail Meyerovich.  It was produced by Soyuzmultfilm in 1975. It is the story of a hedgehog and a bear cub who …

Continue reading

Exploring the Rich History of Italian Ceramic Art

Step into a world of exquisite artistry and timeless beauty as we delve into the rich history of Italian ceramic art. From intricate majolica designs to delicate porcelains, Italy has long been renowned for its mastery in this ancient craft. For centuries, Italian artisans have honed their skills, passing down traditional techniques from one generation …

Continue reading

Soviet Film Wednesday: Night on Bald Mountain

Night on Bald Mountain is a film set to the music of the same name by Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky, and arranged by his fellow Russian composer, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.  The film was created by the inventors of pinscreen animation, Alexandre Alexeieff and his collaborator Claire Parker. Alexeieff was born in Kazan, Russia in 1901 and died in …

Continue reading

On This Day: The Legendary Johnny Marr

The legendary Johnny Marr, born John Martin Maher, is a renowned musician, songwriter, and singer from Manchester, England. His contribution to the world of music is immense and his innovative style has influenced countless musicians around the globe. Marr’s unique blend of punk, rock and pop has given him a distinctive sound that has helped …

Continue reading

Soviet Film Wednesday: Viy

Viy is a significant artifact in the history of cinema, particularly in the context of Soviet film. Released in 1967, it is widely regarded as the first horror movie produced by the Soviet film industry. The film is based on a horror novella by Nikolai Gogol, a renowned Russian-Ukrainian author whose work has been foundational …

Continue reading