Catalogue > At random

After gaining independence in the early 1960s, the young African nations are greeted by an unexpected and enigmatic friend from a far-off continent. Independent Africa receives a seemingly endless stream of Soviet parliamentarians, who arrive on the continent to pay respect to the newly independent states.. These ambassadors of the nation with a ‘bright future’ radiate friendliness and offer assistance in technical, social and cultural development under the banner of a new ideology of equality and fraternity. But is everything as rosy as the Soviet propaganda claims? Are there any strings attached to the Soviet Union’s goodwill? What were the real objectives of the Red Empire?

Alexander Markov is a documentary filmmaker, cinema historian and artist. Born in Leningrad, Russia at January 28, 1973. He directs films in Saint Petersburg and abroad, teaches documentary directing at Saint Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television, and works as an independent curator. His video installations were shown at Sharjah Biennial, Calvert 22, Iwalewahaus, Africa.Cont, CEU etc. Markov's films were participated and awarded prizes at various international film festivals like Berlinale Talents, Visions Du Reel, DocPoint, Sheffield Doc, Film Africa, Message To Man, NYAFF, Artdocfest, Cinefest, Directors Lounge, Stalker, Temps De Images and others.