Esfir Shub: Pioneer of Documentary Filmmaking

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Description

Esfir Shub was the only prominent female director of nonfiction film present at the dawning of the Soviet film industry. She was, in fact, the first woman both to write critical texts on cinema and then practically apply these theorisations in her own films. As such, her syncretism of cinema theory and praxis inspired her to ask questions regarding both the nature of nonfiction film, such as the problem of authenticity and reality, and the function of the artist in society; issues which are still relevant in contemporary discussions about the documentary. Accordingly, this book demonstrates Shubs position not only as a significant filmmaker and recognised member of the early Soviet avant-garde but also as a key figure in global cinema history. Shub deserves recognition both as the founder and ardent promoter of the compilation film genre and as a pioneer of the theory and practice of documentary filmmaking.

Reviews

A welcome overview of the major themes and tactics of Shubs documentary practice, and of her reception in the West ... Sharps description of the many moments when Shub lingers on female subjects allows the reader to imagine what her unrealised script for a film to be called Women might have looked like. * Studies in Russian and Soviet Cinema *
This fascinating and comprehensive study is the first book devoted to the career of a truly remarkable woman who pioneered the compilation documentary, contributed significantly to the Soviet avant-garde in its golden age, and left behind an unmatched oeuvre of political documentaries. It will be the standard work on Shub and her films for years to come. * Denise Youngblood, Professor Emerita, University of Vermont, USA *
At last, we have the scholarly monograph Esfir Shub so richly deserves. Sharp has done her subject proud. * Graham Roberts, Emeritus Professor, Leeds Trinity University, UK *
Ilana Shub Sharp's book is a work of painstaking research and thoughtful scholarship that illuminates the life and career of Esfir Shub. More than that, it is a labour of love and, above all, a heartfelt plea for a proper appreciation not only of Shub's ground-breaking films but also of her vision, at once exhilarating and forlorn, of cinema's social mission. * James Donald, Emeritus Professor of Film Studies, University of New South Wales, Australia *

Author Bio

Ilana Shub Sharp is an independent scholar living in Australia with a background in film and fine arts. She was awarded a PhD from the Faculty of Media, Society and Culture at Curtin University, Western Australia.