Tovarisch, I Am Not Dead
11-24 July 2008
BFI Southbank, London
Cyclops Vision is delighted to announce its extended run of the award-winning documentary by Stuart Urban, Tovarisch, I Am Not Dead at the BFI Southbank 11-24 July. The film continues on its nationwide tour of arthouse cinemas.
For further information: www.tovarisch.net
You can check the screening time at www.bfi.org.uk
Garri Urban survived the Holocaust and the Gulag while maintaining self-respect and refusing to become a victim of his harrowing life as a Polish Jew in the 20th Century. Launching from the acclaim and dismay of Urban’s autobiography of chutzpah, charm and survival, Garri and his son, two-time BAFTA winning director Stuart Urban, dared to return to the former Soviet Union in 1992 after the disintegration of Communism to claim his KGB file and prove his incredible history.
From the discovery that Garri remains labelled as an “international spy” by the secret police, to withheld sections of his KGB file (which officers tell Stuart “would make his hair stand on end) and the emotional reunion with Garri’s long-lost love, this is a poignant biography of a family and a generation.
“The documentary is alive and well. As compelling as it is touching….a gripping documentary.”Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian (Highest rated film of the week) ****
“Fascinating documentary….a riveting film about a remarkable man”Philip French, The Observer ****
“wholly absorbing documentary…fascinating narrative….really grips” Catherine Shoard, The Sunday Telegraph ****
“Impressive….memorable….heart-rending”.Karl French, The Financial Times ***
“A fascinating portrait of a charismatic personality”.Wendy Ide, The Times ***
“Deeply affecting ….superb documentary….unmissable”.Gerald Aaron, The Jewish Chronicle ****
“An intriguing investigation…genuinely moving”David Parkinson, Empire Magazine ***
“It’s engaging both as a portrait of the turbulence of life in the 20th century, and of the difficulty of being a father or a son.”Robert Hanks, The Independent ***