May 10 2023
The Color of Pomegranates is a film that defies the traditional norms of cinema. It’s a masterpiece of surrealism and poetry that transports the viewer to a world of visual and emotional wonder. Directed by Sergei Parajanov, this film is a unique exploration of the life and work of Armenian poet Sayat-Nova. The Color of …
May 07 2023
If you’re in the mood for a tropical escape, why not try a tiki movie night? These films are known for their lush island settings, lively music, and colorful characters. From classic musicals to modern comedies, there’s something for everyone on this list of must-see tiki movies. Blue Hawaii (1961) Starring the King of Rock …
May 04 2023
R2-D2 is one of the most beloved characters in the Star Wars franchise, known for his spunky personality and unwavering loyalty to his friends. Despite his small size, this astromech droid has played a crucial role in many of the series’ most iconic moments. Here are some fascinating facts about R2-D2 that every Star Wars …
May 02 2023
Born on this day May 2, 1921, Satyajit Ray is considered one of the greatest filmmakers in Indian cinema history. His films are known for their realism, humanism, and attention to detail. From his debut film, Pather Panchali, to his later works like Charulata, Ray’s movies have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Here …
Apr 19 2023
This wonderfully illustrated 1968 Russian animation is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid. It begins with a Copenhagen tour guide’s introduction to Andersen’s story, and unfolds to show us the rest of the story, which is not quite the same as the Disney version. As is often the case with re-imagined fairy tales, the older tale …
Mar 29 2023
Happy birthday, Bud Cort, born on this day March 29, 1948 and best known for his role as Harold in Hal Ashby’s cult classic Harold and Maude. Harold and Maude, a film that initially bewildered critics and audiences when it first premiered in 1971, has over the years evolved into a cult classic. This transformation from …
Mar 15 2023
Tales of Tales (Сказка сказок), also titled The Little Grey Wolf Will Come, was the first Soviet animation that I ever remember seeing, and for years I would return to this mysterious film, intermittently, in awe and wonder, taking in the magic and trying to piece together the different parts. Then I watched more Yuri …
Dec 21 2022
The Night Before Christmas (1951) was directed by the prolific Soviet animation duo of Valentina Brumberg and Zinaida Brumberg, who were also known as the “Brumberg sisters” as well as the “grandmothers of Russian animation.” Some of their most well known films are Little Red Riding Hood and Ivashka and Baba-Yaga. Not your typical Christmas story, it begins …
Nov 16 2022
Made in 1928, Samoyed Boy was one of the first films directed by the Brumberg sisters, along with directors Nikolai Khodataev and Olga Chodatajewa. It is the story of a boy who fights corruption in his village, then goes on to study in Moscow. It may be best known for its innovative animation; the mesmerizing waves are stunning …
Sep 21 2022
In Birthnight, Night visits young Tima, a boy who sleeps with the light on because he is afraid of the dark, and she invites him to her nighttime birthday party in the woods. If the story doesn’t sound intriguing enough, the eccentric synth music of Eduard Artemyev is sure to transport you to another world, …
