CEREES Screenings
Red Africa
Barbican Cinema, 10.07.23
UK Cinema Premiere + ScreenTalk
with Professor Jeremy Hicks and Dr Awino Okech
About this film:
Alexander Markov’s documentary on the history of the influence exerted by the USSR over across Africa between 1960 -1990, working from extraordinary archival footage filmed by Soviet operators.
In the 1960s, when many African nations were breaking away from Western colonialism, the USSR employed Soviet propaganda to exert influence on the continent.
Using found footage filmed by Soviet operators between 1960 and 1990, Alexander Markov’s extraordinary documentaryfollows this process. Moving through the subtly assembled archive, the film slowly reveals the face of colonialism masqueraded as comradery. As the recently liberated nations (and those still fighting for their freedom are promised), their new friend’s real motifs are revealed and ships with raw materials are seen departing for Moscow.
Vladimir Lenin proclaimed cinema “the most important of all arts” for its ability to speak to the masses. Markov’s documentary demonstrates that film remained central to Soviet myth-making until the very end of the USSR.
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue.
Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
Shape the Conversation
To form part of the conversation on Eurasia, participate in our programme of events, or find out how we can support your research, please contact the Centre Director Dr Andy Willimott (a.willimott@qmul.ac.uk).
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