Reality and fantasy, revolutionary zeal and bitter jealousy mix in Yakov Protazanov’s hugely influential yet rarely screened silent drama, whose impressive constructivist production design by Aleksandra Ekster has been a reference point for countless sci-fi films including Star Wars, Flash Gordon and most recently, Thor: Ragnarok.
Tormented by a cryptic wireless message from Mars, engineer Los embarks on a journey into the unknown that sees him woo the Martian queen Aelita, fiercely portrayed by iconic actress and director Yuliya Solntseva, and lead an uprising against the planet’s corrupt rulers.
This special screening is in collaboration with the Kino Klassika Foundation, the Klassiki Streaming Service, and RUSCICO (Russian Cinema Council).
Juliet Merchant is an emerging composer and classically trained pianist who has written for television, film and online platforms. She was signed by the label EMI in 2019, and her music can be seen on BBC, ITV and various international films. Juliet works in both classical and electronic styles that come together as an eclectic hybrid to create intriguing, powerful music. Her thrilling new score to accompany Aelita brings new life to Protazanov’s futuristic vision and was originally commissioned by the Kino Klassika Foundation in 2021.
Director: Yakov Protazanov
Starring: Yuliya Solntseva, Nikolai Tsereteli, Yulia Solntseva, Valentina Kuindzhi, Igor Ilyinsky
USSR
With thanks to Film Hub South West.
