The Dovzhenko Centre has enriched its collection with unique materials handed over by the representative of the famous cinematic dynasty, Pylyp Illienko, on behalf of his family.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Rare Materials for the Film “Swan Lake. Zone”
An historic event for Ukrainian cinema — the Dovzhenko Centre’s film archive has received a valuable collection of original materials from the film “Swan Lake. Zone,” which Yuriy Illienko shot in 1990. Among the materials transferred are the original negative of the film, which had been stored for a long time in the film archive of a post-production studio in Toronto. This studio was involved in the production of the film, and the return of the films to Ukraine was made possible thanks to the diligent work of producer Mark Stekh and the active participation of Pylyp Illienko.
“This is truly a rare addition to the collection. It consists of the original materials from the film ‘Swan Lake. Zone’ (1990) by Yuriy Illienko, including the original negative. For a long time, the films were kept in the film archive of a post-production studio in Toronto, which was involved in the creation of the film. Their return was facilitated by producer Mark Stekh and the active involvement of Pylyp Illienko himself. Now the materials are in the film archive of the Dovzhenko Centre, and working with them will allow us to create the best possible digital copy.”
The transfer of these materials opens up new opportunities for creating a high-quality digital copy of the film, which is of great importance for preserving the national cultural heritage.
New Additions to the Film Archive and the Significant Contribution of Yuriy Illienko
In addition to the film materials, the Dovzhenko Centre’s collection has been supplemented with a collection of aphorisms by Yuriy Illienko titled “A Well for the Thirsty,” compiled by Iryna Faryon, as well as the artist’s original theoretical reflections titled “The Paradigm of Cinema.” These works will enhance the film archive section of the fund, providing researchers and the general public with a unique source for studying the creative legacy of the Ukrainian filmmaker.
Yuriy Illienko, a prominent film expert and resident of Kyiv, was one of the founders of the establishment of an independent film fund in Ukraine. At the beginning of the revival of Ukrainian statehood, he advocated for the creation of an institution that would ensure the preservation and development of national cinema.