WHITE SUN OF THE DESERT / BELOE SOLNTSE PUSTYNI (1970)
Directed by Vladimir Motyl
85 minutes
"WHITE SUN OF THE DESERT is the final installment of what might be called a traditional Ostern. It tells the story of Fyodor Sukhov, a Red Army soldier in what would become the Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic. While clearly drawing on Western cinematic tropes, the film undoubtedly spoke to Soviet audiences regarding issues of nation and empire, reflecting the nationalist ideals of a Russian-dominated Central Asia. Over time, WHITE SUN OF THE DESERT achieved cult status in Russia and other post-Soviet countries. It's famously watched by Russian cosmonauts before space missions as a good-luck tradition, underscoring its enduring cultural significance." –PRINCETON