“Director’s Diary”, interview with director Aleksandr Sokurov and producer Alena Shumakova

An engaging new film, “Director’s Diary”, debuted at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, offering a profound glimpse into both personal memories and collective history. Blending artistic expression with documentary elements, the film presents a compelling portrait of life through the eyes of its creator, capturing the essence of a turbulent era from 1957 to 1991. We met with the director Aleksandr Sokurov,  and the producer Alena Shumakova on the eve of the premiere at the Venice Festival.

A Personal Chronicle Becomes a Cinematic Journey

“Director’s Diary” is based on a handwritten journal kept by the director over several decades, chronicling world events, social upheavals, and personal reflections. The decision to transform these pages into a film stemmed from a sense of necessity and artistic urgency. “I realized I needed to ‘bake’ this story,” the director explained, as the project was more than a personal endeavor—it aimed to resonate with a wider audience seeking understanding of a complex period. The film serves as a visual “sculpture of time,” thoughtfully selecting a range of pivotal moments. It is not a documentary in the traditional sense but an artistic exploration that leaves room for interpretation, avoiding didacticism or polemics. Instead, “it silently presents the most painful and significant aspects of human life,” the director added, inviting viewers to reflect rather than be pressed for a specific viewpoint.

Themes and Visual Choices

“Director’s Diary” delves into themes that extend beyond the Russian experience, touching on broader European and global histories. The film weaves archival footage—primarily Russian—capturing social movements, political upheavals, and milestones in cinema history. “I wanted to include images that matter, not just for Russia but for everyone,” the filmmaker shared. The selection process was guided by emotional resonance and significance. Sokurov aimed to portray the faces of everyday people—workers, farmers, individuals living simple yet dignified lives. “I love my compatriots,” he states. The film captures moments of daily life—people traveling on the metro, street vendors—showcasing their inner strength and unique dignity.

A Poetic Reflection on Society and Humanity

“Director’s Diary” does not shy away from difficult topics but approaches them with a contemplative tone. The film avoids political condemnation or news-reporting style, favouring an emotional and artistic rendering of history. This approach allows the audience to engage deeply with the personal and collective stories presented, fostering empathy through visual storytelling. Sokurov points out that the film is an artistic exercise—not a commentary or critique but a poetic reflection of life’s ebb and flow. “From a multiplicity of things, we try to form a sculpture of time as it unfolds,” he explained, blending personal memory with societal observations.

 

Plot