Sergei Loznitsa hones in on the historic ceremonies in the Soviet Union following Stalin’s death 1953. Bolstered by archival materials and his own adept editing, he has created a special testimony that allows viewers to perceive the fine line between life and death in an over-mediated reality. It is an invitation to reflect on manipulation and deception, perceived normality and grotesque charade.

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Sergei Loznitsa, born in Baranovichi/USSR, in 1964, grew up in Kiev. In 1987, he received a degree in Applied Mathematics. Until 1991, the internationally renowned director of documentaries and fiction features worked as a scientist at the Kiev Institute of Cybernetics [IKK], specializing in artificial intelligence research. In 1997, he graduated from VGIK Film Academy Moscow and launched his film production and distribution company Atoms & Void in 2013. In 2012, the goEast Portrait was dedicated to him and, in 2019, he took part at goEast with his archive documentary THE TRIAL.

Filmography (selection): 2010 MY JOY, 2017 A GENTLE CREATURE, 2018 DONBASS; THE TRIAL, 2019 STATE FUNERAL