A new streaming platform for the cinema of Russia and the former Soviet Union

Not long left to wait until the main cinematic masterpieces from Russia and post-Soviet countries become easily available in excellent quality. Kino Klassika Foundation, supported by the British Film Institute (BFI), is launching a new ambitious project called Klassiki – a streaming platform that will offer a permanent collection of more than 60 classic films from Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as a weekly selection of modern movies from these regions.

Kino Klassika Foundation was established in 2015 and currently is the only organisation in the world focused on the cinema of Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia. The foundation is engaged in restoration work, organises events and strives to bring wider recognition to films and directors from these areas. Justine Waddell, the founder of the organisation, said that after the closure of cinemas due to the pandemic the foundation decided to take a chance and start a free weekly online screening season for the British public. As a result, it turned out that new viewers interested in such rare and inaccessible content were attracted to the site.

“Thousands of people have tuned in to watch our weekly films, we’ve screened everything from Russian comedy to Armenian drama, – says Justine. – And so the idea for Klassiki, the first-ever video-on-demand platform dedicated to classic films from Russia and beyond, was born.”

The creation of Klassiki was made possible thanks to the support of the British Film Institute (BFI), which donated funds from the National Lottery. The new streaming platform will include a permanent collection of more than 60 films, the “Pick of the Week” section with modern titles selected by the Kino Klassika team and various exclusive content: posts, essays and interviews. On Klassiki one will be able to watch such iconic films as Diamond Arm, I Walk Around Moscow and Autumn Marathon, as well as legendary cartoons Hedgehog in the Fog and Tale of Tales. Very rare films will also be available on the platform, for example, the works of female directors Tatiana Lioznova and Kira Muratova.

Klassiki will launch on February 4, 2021 and will be completely free for the first 60 days. Later, the monthly fee will be £5.99. More information can be found on the Kino Klassika Foundation website.

Cover photo: a still from “Carnival Night”

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