National Museum Documentary with Andrei Zagdansky and Signe Baumane

https://www.scandinaviahouse.org/events/national-museum/?mc_cid=c952858f48&mc_eid=cab22dc4f4

FRI—MARCH 18—7 PM; $25; All ticket proceeds will go to support relief efforts in Ukraine; Film Q&As with the directors will follow the screening; Scandinavia House, New York: Advance Tickets required

On March 18, ASF will present a special film screening and fundraiser with all ticket sales and donations going to support relief efforts in Ukraine: featuring director Andrei Zagdansky’s “direct cinema” documentary National Museum (Ukraine, 2021), exploring the art and inner workings of the major art institution in Kyiv, Ukraine, and the short film The Witch and The Cow by Latvian director Signe Baumane. Following the film screenings, directors Zagdansky and Baumane will hold Q&A sessions about their films.

In National Museum, restoration specialists, curators, art handlers, designers and visitors become fascinating characters in an unhurried, poignant and occasionally funny survey as they work to curate, mount, and open two special exhibitions — one dedicated to Ukrainian baroque and another one to prominent avant-garde artist Alexander Bogomazo. Nominated for the Golden Duke at the Odessa International Film Festival, 2021 and Best Documentary at the Ukrainian Film Critics Awards 2021, National Museum explores what is cherished and revered by the nation of 45 million (90 min. In Ukrainian with English subtitles). At a time when Ukraine’s museums and cultural organizations are under attack, Zagdansky’s documentary highlights the importance of Ukraine’s vibrant cultural life and heritage.

Prior to the documentary screening, Signe Bauman’s short film The Witch and The Cow is an allegorical tale of a small witch’s attempt to milk an enormous cow (Latvia, 1991. 2 min 40 sec).

Image: Andrei Zagdansky (center) and DoP Vladimir Guyevsky (on the right) on the set of “National Museum”