Russian audiences will get unique insights into the American way of life during the next several weeks at film festivals in Vladistock and Moscow. “No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo and Vilmos” and “How to Fold A Flag” will be featured at the Pacific Meridian Festival in Vladivostok and the Show US! Film Festival in Moscow. Both films were chosen for the 2010 American Documentary Showcase.
“No Subtitles Necessary: Laszlo and Vilmos” is the story of two Hungarians who came to the United States as political refugees in 1957 in the wake of the Russian army crushing an uprising against the communist regime in their native land. Laszlo Kovacs, ASC and Vilmos Zsigmond, ASC overcame formidable obstacles and became iconic cinematographers who are recognized around the world.
The documentary was produced and directed by James Chressanthis, ASC, a cinematographer who apprenticed with Zsigmond in 1986. His documentary features archival footage from memorable films shot by Kovacs and Zsigmond, interviews with them and some 70 critics, actors, directors, other filmmakers, family and friends. Chressanthis will also conduct workshops and seminars with Russian filmmakers.
“I thought about making this documentary about these two amazingly talented human beings for 30 years,” Chressanthis says. “It’s a story about their brotherhood and the bond that held them together, as well as how they created magnificent art.”
“How to Fold A Flag” is part of a trilogy about how American veterans are coping with life after returning from serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was produced and directed by Michael Tucker. He filmed the interviews with veterans who freely share memories and feelings about the war, their lives after returning home and how they were treated by the Veterans Administration.
Stuart Wilf, a veteran featured in “How to Fold A Flag,” is traveling to Vladivostok and Moscow. He will answer questions after screenings; meet with students and faculty members at the Russian State University for the Humanities, the public and the press.
Nine other films chosen for the 2010 American Documentary Showcase will be shown at Show US! Film Festival in Moscow, Beginning Filmmaking, Traces of the Trade, People’s President, Hobart Shakespeareans, Order of Myths, Craft in America, Note By Note, One Bridge to the Next and A Fair to Remember.
“These films offer a broad, diversified look at life in the United States and the values of a democratic society as seen by independent filmmakers, who are free to express their opinions,” says Project Director Betsy McLane, Ph.D.
The American Documentary Showcase was founded in 2009 as a cooperative venture by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs of the United States government and the University Film and Video Association, whose members are on film school faculties. So far, 29 American documentaries have been seen in 23 countries.
