Directed by Larisa Shepitko
3 Episodes
Though her name is now unjustly obscure, Larisa Shepitko was one of the boldest, most renowned filmmakers of the Soviet era. In her tragically short career, the Ukrainian-born auteur left behind only a handful of films—including the psychologically charged feminist character study WINGS and the shattering, spiritually transcendent World War II masterpiece THE ASCENT—but they rank among the greatest and most powerful works of Soviet cinema. These blazingly personal visions deserve to be rediscovered for their stunning visuals, masterful evocation of interior states, and profound humanism.
-
11:23Episode 1Introducing Larisa Shepitko
Episode 1
Scholar Barbora Bartunkova discusses Larisa Shepitko’s singular vision and fearless, exploratory approach to filmmaking.
-
Wings
Episode 2
Directed by Larisa Shepitko • 1966 • Soviet Union
For her first feature after graduating from the All-Russian State Institute for Cinematography (VGIK), Larisa Shepitko trained her lens on the fascinating Russian character actress Maya Bulgakova, who gives a marvelous performance as a once her...
-
1:49:15Episode 3The Ascent
Episode 3
Directed by Larisa Shepitko • 1976 • Soviet Union
Shepitko's emotionally overwhelming final film won the Golden Bear at the 1977 Berlin Film Festival and has been hailed around the world as the finest Soviet film of its decade. Set during World War II's darkest days, THE ASCENT follows the pat...