Homage & Commemoration In Memory of Tarkovsky: The Eternal Poetic Echoes on the Screen
Andrei Tarkovsky, the legendary sculptor of time, established his mastery on the world cinema stage with just seven feature films. His father Arseniy Tarkovsky, is a famous Soviet poet. Tarkovsky once said that he spent his whole life seeking to touch upon his father's poetry through film. This touch also contributes to the rich poetic flavor in his works.
Just as Tarkovsky followed his father in search of poetry, his son Andrei Andreyevich Tarkovsky also followed in his footsteps to become a film director.

Andrei Tarkovsky and his son Andrei Andreyevich Tarkovsky
This year, the Homage & Commemoration section of Beijing Film Panorama launched the "In Memory of Tarkovsky" special thematic program. Two films about his father directed by Andrei Andreyevich Tarkovsky, along with three new 4K-restored films of his father's work will be shown at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival.

Andrei Andreyevich Tarkovsky
Andrei Rublev (4K)
1966
Recommendation: Miraculous cinematic language, a thrilling epic。
Tarkovsky's second feature film is also widely regarded as one of his most difficult works to interpret. This film earned him the FIPRESCI Prize at Cannes Film Festival that year.
The film takes the wandering life and decisive choices of Andrei Rublev, a 15th-century icon painter, as its narrative thread. With its unique Tarkovskian cinematic language, it paints an epic scroll of religion, history, and humanity with a deep and poetic touch. Whether it is the miraculous and exquisite cinematic language, the religious metaphors, philosophical reflection, or Tarkovsky's self-projection, every time it offers you something new, thus worth watching again and again.
The version screened this time is 205 minutes long. It is the director's original cut recently restored in 4K by Mosfilm.

A still from Andrei Rublev
Andrei Rublev: Memories of the Film (4K)
2024
Highlights: International premiere of precious footage, exploring Tarkovsky’s legendary masterpiece
The film was directed by Andrei Andreyevich Tarkovsky, the son of Tarkovsky. It's a documentary treasure that focuses on the interpretation of Andrei Rublev. With the help of extensive archival materials and interviews with related creators, the film presents Tarkovsky's epic work in great detail from inside out.
At the same time, audiences can also discover rare footage of Andrei Rublev that has never been released before, which is definitely not to be missed. It is particularly worth mentioning that Beijing Film Panorama is the international premiere of the film, and we welcome the audience of BJIFF to have a sneak peek!

A still from Andrei Rublev: Memories of the Film
Nostalgia (4K)
1983
Highlights: Nostalgia for the homeland, Tarkovsky's eternal poetry and attachment
In Nostalgia, the narrative space reflected between the Russian poet Andrei and the madman Dominic is the spiritual home that the director himself can never return to. The film won the Best Director Award at the Cannes Film Festival that year, as well as the FIPRESCI Prize and the Catholic Humanitarian Award.
The image of the wanderer portrayed in the film is both an introspection into Tarkovsky’s own spiritual world and a contemporary allegory of secular life. Even without delving into its profound core, the director's intense emotions and dreamlike shots are enough to make this film an immortal work in the history of global cinema.

A still from Nostalgia
Time of Travel (4K)
1983
Highlight: Exploring the cinematic path of a time sculptor
The film documents Tarkovsky and screenwriter Tonino Guerra's travels in Italy and their preparations for filming Nostalgia. This screening presents the latest 4K restored version, under the sponsorship of the Polish National Film Archive and Fixafilm, marking its Asian premiere.
Unlike conventional behind-the-scenes documentaries, Time of Travel resembles a poetic essay in which Tarkovsky articulates his cinematic philosophy and creative vision. Amidst the breathtaking landscapes and tranquil countryside of Italy, the dialogue between the two artists on the art of film-making harmonizes with the poetry interwoven throughout the film. Through this travel, audiences will gradually draw closer to the poetic soul and sensitive mind of this legendary director.

A still from Time of Travel
Andrey Tarkovsky: A Cinema Prayer
2019
Highlight: A poetic symphony across three generations—a star that never fades
Directed by Andrey Tarkovsky, this documentary delves into the artistic journey of his father. Structured in eight chapters, the film follows the trajectory of Tarkovsky's seven feature films and one short film, weaving together the luminous narrative of his cinematic legacy. The director incorporates extensive self-narration by his father and his reflections on his own works, interweaving them with the poetry of his grandfather, Arseny Tarkovsky, to present the audience with a poetic symphony composed across three generations.

A still from Andrey Tarkovsky: A Cinema Prayer
Cinema is Eternal, Masterpieces Endure! The surprises are far from over - stay tuned, cinephiles!
