Man with a Movie Camera (1929) is a radical silent documentary that captures a day in Soviet cities through dazzling montage, rhythmic editing and bold structure. Directed by Dziga Vertov, filmed by Mikhail Kaufman and edited by Yelizaveta Svilova, it turns everyday life into kinetic cinema without actors or script. Condemned by Stalin’s regime, the film vanished after a brief run, later hailed as a landmark of avant‑garde artistry.
Presented by Castlemaine Documentary Film Festival at the Capitol Theatre, this special screening features a live, improvised score by Underground Lovers Moda Discoteca. The musicians perform in real time, responding to visual rhythms and tempo shifts to amplify energy, emotion and momentum.
Led by filmmaker and screen media lecturer Vincent Giarrusso, the team treats each scene as a narrative moment, shaping music to honour Vertov’s vision. A rare chance to experience a silent‑era masterpiece reanimated through sound and performance.