Denunciations Against Alexander Dovzhenko Uncovered
Film scholar Serhiy Trymbach has uncovered archival denunciations targeting the renowned Ukrainian writer and filmmaker Alexander Dovzhenko, which were submitted during the Soviet era. In his research, Trymbach identifies the individuals who informed on Dovzhenko and refutes the involvement of his wife, the Moscow-born actress Yulia Solntseva. Dovzhenko is a foundational figure in world cinema, often called the father of Ukrainian poetic filmmaking.
Alexander Dovzhenko, considered a key figure in Ukrainian cinematography, faced persecution during the Soviet period. Serhiy Trymbach, a film critic, scholar, and screenwriter, examined archives belonging to Dovzhenko and his wife. A portion of the documents, including the denunciations, is held in the archives of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in Kyiv. Trymbach notes that the denunciations against Dovzhenko were deciphered and analyzed by historians Roman Roslyak and Yuriy Shapoval.
Those Who Informed on Dovzhenko
Among those who submitted denunciations against Dovzhenko were notable figures such as:
- Mykola Bazhan
- Yuriy Smolych
“Some documents, as I have already mentioned, are preserved in the SBU archive in Kyiv. Primarily, these are denunciations against Dovzhenko. People informed on him, of course, often under duress, even figures like Mykola Bazhan and Yuriy Smolych.”
Serhiy Trymbach
Trymbach also emphasizes that, in his view, Dovzhenko likely knew about the denunciations, as his relationship with Bazhan was strained in later years, while he maintained a friendly rapport with Smolych.
The research also dispels suspicions regarding Yulia Solntseva's involvement in the denunciations. Trymbach states: “There was a suspicion specifically about Solntseva, that she was the informer. The main piece of evidence was a report mentioning: 'He spoke in Ukrainian in his sleep.' Who could have attested to that if not his wife? However, this is mentioned in a report by another person, who references Solntseva's words.” This indicates that the matter of the denunciations requires further investigation and analysis.
Serhiy Trymbach also participated in preparing the complete edition of Alexander Dovzhenko's diary entries, which was published in 2013 by the 'Folio' publishing house. “And I can confirm: all the diary notes held at RGALI [Russian State Archive of Literature and Art] have been published. But there are extracts from documents—evidently, something was destroyed earlier, either by Dovzhenko himself or by Solntseva,” Trymbach notes.
The year 2024 marks the 130th anniversary of Alexander Dovzhenko's birth. In Odesa, production has begun on a film titled 'The Director,' dedicated to his work. Serhiy Trymbach, a laureate of several awards including the Oleksandr Dovzhenko State Prize of Ukraine (2008) and the James Mace Prize (2016), continues to research Dovzhenko's legacy. He is working on a book, 'Alexander Dovzhenko: From Hell to Paradise,' scheduled for release in 2026.
Serhiy Trymbach's discoveries underscore the importance of studying archival documents for understanding the history of Ukrainian culture and the persona of Alexander Dovzhenko. Research into the denunciations concerning his work and personal life highlights the complexity of the artist's relationships within the context of the repressive Soviet system. This historical scrutiny remains relevant as modern authoritarian regimes continue to employ similar tactics of surveillance and control. Simultaneously, the preparation of new publications dedicated to Dovzhenko aids in preserving his legacy and promoting Ukrainian cinematic art. Such research can open new perspectives for understanding the artist's work and his place in Ukraine's history.
As the complexities of Dovzhenko's life unfold, it is essential to explore his intricate interactions with Soviet authorities. The examination of his relationship with power reveals further insights into the challenges he faced as a pioneering filmmaker. For a deeper understanding of how these dynamics influenced his work and legacy, read more about the multifaceted ties between Dovzhenko and Soviet governance.