ETV Collection of Socialist Propaganda Films

8 February - 30 March 2011

To coincide with the BFI Gallery exhibition marxism today by British artist Phil Collins, we are showing a compilation of socialist propaganda films produced in the German Democratic Republic and the Soviet Union.

The films are part of the Educational and Television Films (ETV) Collection, a unique and comprehensive collection of documentary footage covering the life, society and history of the socialist world. The collection was donated in 2002 and is held in the BFI National Archive.

The films shown here were produced throughout the early 1980s and highlight various aspects of socialist reality: the collective and individual remembrance of World War II, strategies to tackle postwar housing shortage, the roles of women, children and the military in socialist society, the Eastern Bloc's humanitarian aid programme, and, last but not least, the importance of Soviet film production.

Living in Hope, USSR, 1983, 9:17 min
At the annual celebration of the defeat of fascism on May 9th, Victory Day, the Russian war veterans are joined by an old woman who is still looking for her son, a soldier missing in action.

Housing Problems, GDR, 1983, extract 13:33 min
A thorough examination of the strategies and guiding principles of the GDR's housing policy, which aimed to solve the post-war housing problem through technological innovations such as refabricated slab construction.

Three Portraits, USSR, early 1980s, 15:03 min
Three soviet women of different professions - a paediatrician, a film director and an artist - are portrayed as active, creative and successful individuals, and as exemplary members of socialist society.

A House for Children, GDR, early 1980s, 17:33 min
A documentary about the Pioneer Palace in East Berlin, a centre for the group activities of the Ernst Thälmann Pioneer Organisation - the GDR's political mass organisation for children.

Motorised Infantry, USSR, 1981, 19:14 min
This military propaganda film follows a crew of Soviet soldiers through military manoeuvres and physical exercise, but also shows their leisure activities and moments of thoughtful reflection.

Peace through Humanism, USSR, early 1980s, extract 11:11 min
The Soviet Red Cross and its sister organisations are presented as leading forces in the field of international humanitarian aid.

One Day at Mosfilm, USSR, mid-1980s, extract 11:50 min
A documentary about the USSR's most important film studio, celebrating the merits of Russian cinema art and its internationally acclaimed protagonists.

Phil Collins: marxism today is showing in the BFI Gallery until 10 April 2011
Gallery opening hours: Tue – Sun (and bank holidays) 12:00 – 20:00
Free admission

Coming Soon
This year the BFI celebrates Russian cinema with three major seasons presenting classic and lesser known works from one of the world’s greatest cinematic traditions. Commencing in May 2011.
For more details please see the BFI Monthly Guide.