The Cinematheque screens the Vancouver premiere of Meeting Gorbachev tonight at 8:10 p.m.
German filmmaker Werner Herzog and British anthropologist/filmmaker André Singer share co-directing duties on the documentary which is based on extensive archival footage and a series of three new interviews conducted with former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
Herzog and Singer have released a Directors Statement on their film:
“The seven years (1985-1992) that saw the USSR under the stewardship of Mikhail Gorbachev were some of the most momentous years in 20th century history, seeing not only the collapse of the Soviet Union, but witnessing much of the rest of the Europe and the world changing forever.
Our unique access to the now ailing man at the centre of that cataclysm will reveal the inside story of what happened 30 years ago and how this impacts on today’s world.
With his help we can re-examine, in a new and personal light, the forces of history that led to the spectacular fall of one of the world’s most powerful empires. The discussion between Mikhail Gorbachev and Werner Herzog is in turns enlightening, amusing and totally unique. Meeting Gorbachev will throw light on the legacy of those tumultuous years for a new generation, now facing their own turbulent times.”
Cinematheque showtimes:
Friday, May 17 - 8:10 p.m.
Saturday, May 18 - 6:30 p.m.
Monday, May 20 - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 22 - 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 23 - 9 p.m.
