Screening of Crystal Palace (1934), directed by Hryhorii Hrycher
Crystal Palace is one of the earliest Ukrainian sound films, combining the influence of German Expressionism with the Ukrainian avant-garde film movement.
About the Film
In a totalitarian state, Martin Bruno, a pacifist artist, is commissioned to create a statue of Christ for the city cathedral. A scandal erupts during the unveiling: an outraged official destroys the sculpture and accuses the artist of communist provocation.
When Bruno attempts to explain his actions, he discovers the official’s dead body inside the office. The artist is arrested and faces the death penalty.
Shortly after its premiere, the film was withdrawn from distribution. It was restored from a digital scan of a film print preserved at Amherst College. The original grain and texture of the film were retained during the restoration to preserve the image’s authenticity.
The screening is part of The History of Cinema in Ukraine programme, curated by Daria Badior and Sofia Doroshenko.
Screening Details
📅 19 September, 18:30
📍 Jam Factory Art Center, Auditorium
🎟️ Free admission with advance registration
Year: 1934
Country: Ukrainian SSR
Studio: Ukrainfilm
Running time: 72 minutes
Category: Feature film
Genre: Historical drama
Language: Ukrainian
Subtitles: English