Documentary
Russia,Italy,Sweden
Andrei Tarkovsky. A Cinema Prayer is a documentary film that explores the life and work of the legendary Russian director Andrei Tarkovsky. The film is directed by Dmitry Trakovsky and features rare audio recordings of Tarkovsky, as well as never-before-seen footage and interviews with his family, colleagues and collaborators.
The documentary begins by tracing Tarkovsky's childhood, growing up in a family of artists and studying at a prestigious film school in Moscow. It then delves into his career as a filmmaker, beginning with his debut feature Ivan's Childhood, through to his masterpieces such as Solaris and The Mirror, up to his final film, The Sacrifice.
Throughout the film, Tarkovsky shares his philosophical reflections on art, spirituality, nature, and the human condition, providing insight into the creative process that went into his films. The documentary also features interviews with renowned filmmakers such as Béla Tarr, Lars von Trier, and Aleksandr Sokurov, who discuss the influence that Tarkovsky’s work has had on their own careers.
The film’s immersive approach provides viewers with a deeper understanding of Tarkovsky's legacy as a filmmaker and artist, showcasing his distinctive cinematic style that challenged conventional storytelling and brought a new dimension to the art of filmmaking. Additionally, the use of previously unreleased recordings of poems by Arseny Tarkovsky, the director’s father, adds to the emotional resonance of the film, highlighting the familial roots of Tarkovsky’s artistic sensibilities.
