In the early 20th century, Russia experienced significant and profound changes. The 1917 Russian Revolution marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and ushered in a new era under the leadership of Vladimir Lenin, the head of the Bolshevik Party. This transition led to the formation of the Communist Party and the establishment of the Union of Soviet Social Republics, also known as the U.S.S.R.
However, in 1927, the course of history took another turn with the death of Lenin and the rise of Joseph Stalin to power. Stalin, a dictator known for his oppressive tactics and use of violence, ruled with an iron fist, imposing totalitarian control over every aspect of society.
One poignant representation of this tumultuous period is the short film “Father’s Letters,” created by Alexey Evstigneev in 1937. The film follows the correspondence between Professor Vangengheim, a weather forecaster for Stalin, and his daughter Eleonora. Vangengheim, falsely accused of sabotaging crops during a famine, was exiled to the remote Solovetsky Islands in 1934.
As Eleonora navigates life in Moscow amidst nationalist demonstrations, her father writes letters detailing his supposed Arctic research. These letters, written on cigarette paper, offer a glimpse into Vangengheim’s harsh reality and his daughter’s obliviousness to his fate.
Set against the backdrop of Stalin’s Great Purge, a period of mass arrests and executions aimed at eliminating dissenters, “Father’s Letters” captures the brutality of the Gulag system. The film’s artistic style combines hand-drawn elements, vector-based techniques, and stop-motion to create a visually stunning portrayal of love, innocence, and hope in the face of adversity.
In a poignant scene, Vangengheim is forced to create a portrait of Stalin using dandelions, leading to a tragic outcome. The film underscores the tragic fate of many during this dark period of Soviet history, where millions of individuals suffered under Stalin’s ruthless regime.
Despite the grim subject matter, “Father’s Letters” offers a message of resilience and growth, as Eleonora finds solace in the life cycle of flowers and the promise of future possibilities. The film serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of totalitarianism and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.
