At the end of the Civil War, a Red Army soldier trudges along the shore of the Caspian Sea, longing to be reunited with his wife. But his journey home is interrupted when he's charged with protecting the freed harem of a ruthless local warlord. The "Eastern", with its rousing and bloody action, wry humor, and unflappable hero, has all the hallmarks of a Hollywood Western. Yet, the film's focus on Soviet empire building in Central Asia strikes an ambivalent tone.

This totally unknown masterpiece is traditionally watched by Russian cosmonauts before space launches as a good luck ritual.


This screening is part of a trilogy (24 April / 1 May / 8 May) of Soviet films that weirdly reverberate with contemporary audiences. The films are surprise films and the only way to find out more is to join the screenings. Be prepared to a strong exposure to tobacco and alcohol imagery!