Russian Jews Part 1—Before the Revolution

Created and narrated by Russian journalist, Leonid Parfenov, the Russian Jews trilogy presents an immersive and illuminating investigation of perceptions of Jews in Russia throughout the twentieth century, and an examination of their role in the history of the country and the world.

Part 1: Before the Revolution / 86 mins

Part 2: 1918 - 1948 / 125 mins

Part 3: After 1948 / 126 mins

Russian Jews: Film One—Before the Revolution tells the story of the Jewish people across the Russian empire, including the traditional way of life in Russia and their entering into general society. Delving into stories about famous bankers, scientists and artists reshaping their attitude to the rites of their ancestry, this is also the story of the Russian word pogrom entering foreign dictionaries; the Beylis Case and the first wave of Jewish emigration. It is about the revolutionaries who shattered the Tsarist regime and changed the fate of the country in October 1917.

Watch the Russian Jews documentaries consecutively (in a single day), or across multiple sessions spread over three weeks. On Sunday, 19 Nov, at the Classic Cinemas, Elsternwick, After the Tears will be supplying a spread of delicious Eastern European treats to feast on between sessions. Nostrovia!