“Intelligent” Cinematography in Pre-Revolutionary Kazan: Role of Professor L.O. Darkshevich in Educational Film Development

Abstract

The paper analyzes the development of educational cinematography in Kazan during the period of 1908–1916. The author draws attention to the review written by L.O. Darkshevich (1858–1925), the worldwide famous neuropathologist and professor of the Kazan University, of “Drinking and Its Consequences” (1913), a scientific and popular film. It is assumed that the critical attitude of the neurosurgeon to the first steps of educational cinematography reflects the desire of this person to use his authority to influence the development of “intelligent cinematography”. Furthermore, the paper provides examples of active use of this type of art for educational purposes. Notably, there was a special scientific and popular cinema theatre in Kazan. The Kazan Society of Public Universities actively used cinematography during lectures. During the First Word War, films were screened for free in hospitals for wounded soldiers of the Kazan region. Scientific cinematography was also supported by the state: film demonstrators were exempt from taxes if charity events were held.

Keywords

• pre-revolutionary periodicals
• professor of kazan university
• “kamsko-volzhskaya rech” (kama-volga word) newspaper
• “drinking and its consequences” film
• aleksandr khanzhonkov’s film company