how does the Gerasimov Institute operate now?

VGIK is the world’s oldest film school founded in 1919 by Lev Kuleshov and Vladimir Gardin, outstanding Russian filmmakers. It’s the oldest film school in the world. ‘More recently, its alumni were drawn both from the USSR (Soviet Union) and from other socialist and other countries, though it was a requirement for students to first learn Russian prior to attending. It is among the few film schools which offer scriptwriting courses.’

Constructivist art- ‘For the Constructivists, artworks were part of a greater visual program meant to awaken the masses and lead them towards awareness of class divisions, social inequalities, and revolution…  they thought that art should reflect the industrial world and that it should be used as a tool in the Communist revolution… Constructivist art focused on industrial production. Constructivists used stripped down, geometric forms and modest materials.’

Explain how the political, social and economic upheaval created by the aftermath of both the Russian Revolution and WW1 affected the production and content of classic Soviet Constructivist Cinema.

Politically, the Soviet Union utilised cinema as a propaganda tool. However after The Russian Revolution had taken place in 1917, the country was freeing itself from the grips of the ruling elite so it desired to revolutionise all aspects of Russia, including its cultural life. Art was to be in service of the new, Communist society.  ‘Constructivists believed that art should reflect the modern industrial world. Hence they disapproved of any kind of stylization.’

The Soviet montage also became an influential film movement focusing on the editing techniques of a film compared to content alone. The concept is that different sequences edited together in juxtaposition can express a new and separate complex idea. (Kuleshov effect). However, The Soviet Montage movement officially ended when the Marxist leader Joseph Stalin rose to power after Lenin’s death.

The Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography, which resides in Moscow, is the oldest ever film school and still operates today. Now with new technology, techniques and equipment. It is the only state film school in the Russian Federation that has its own educational film studio with full technical equipment for the production of films and videos. Including multiple areas to study, such as animation, screenwriting, acting, editing, producing etc.

This constructivist art often uses geometric shapes, coloured with bright primary colours.

Films from the Hollywood Film Noir period which have clear influences from German Expressionism:

The aftermath of World War One and the Russian Revolution had a significant impact on the production and content of classic Soviet constructionist cinema. Russia had become a communist country, and many films were created for propaganda, in support of communism and anti-tsarist (the previous leaders). They were often anti-authority and supported the working class.

The Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography in Moscow, Russia, also known as VGIK, has changed significantly since its founding in 1919. In 2023, it remains one of the most prestigious film schools in the world and is still a state-run institution, however, the school has become more focused on international collaboration and has opened its doors to students from around the world. The school has also starting including courses in areas such as animation, television, and video games. The VGIK has also developed in teaching methods and technology, using the latest equipment and techniques, such as digital editing and production equipment, as well as the latest software for post-production. While the fundamental principles of VGIK remain the same, the school is still considered to be at the forefront of film education and training.