"A cameraman is the heart of the motion picture": Anatoly Zabolotsky at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The documentary "Life in the Profession", dedicated to the 90th anniversary of an outstanding cameraman Anatoly Zabolotsky, was shown at the National Centre RUSSIA on July 1. The show was attended by cinematographers, students of creative universities, and admirers of the Russian cinema. From the very first minutes, the guests of the National Centre RUSSIA were immersed in the atmosphere of the authentic cinematography, and got familiar with the legend of cinematography — Anatoly Zabolotsky.

Anatoly Zabolotsky was born into an ordinary peasant family in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. He participated in filming of more than 50 motion pictures and documentaries, and he holds the title of "Honored Artist of the RSFSR." His "light hand" of a cameraman gave viewers the immortal shots from such films as "The Red Snowball Tree", "Stoves-Benches" and "Alpine Ballad". These very shots were included in the documentary about the master called "Life in the profession". The documentary tells little-known facts about the filming of the iconic pictures. 

The film presented at the National Centre RUSSIA became the embodiment of Anatoly Zabolotsky's published memoirs and diaries, which he began to write as a student at VGIK. The documentary was directed by Lidia Bobrova, as well as master himself -- Anatoly Zabolotsky.

"The cameraman is the heart of the film" — this catch phrase formed the basis of Anatoly Zabolotsky's professional approach and credo. According to the master, the work of a cameraman is not just a technical performance. 

"A lot of memories came to my mind. I've been making this documentary for two years. My great thanks to the National Centre RUSSIA, and especially to the Director General Natalia Virtuozova," Anatoly Zabolotsky emphasized.

Special attention in "Life in the Profession" film is paid to the collaboration of Anatoly Zabolotsky with Vasily Shukshin. The exemplary creative union of two gifted people allowed them to reveal human dramas and philosophical comprehension of life through the cameraman's mastery. 

Speaking about the meeting, a Soviet and Russian theater and cinema actor and film director Alexander Mikhailov noted that there should be as many such themed evenings as possible.

"It's a diamond. We had a contact with a unique personality tonight. Anatoly Dmitrievich Zabolotsky is not just a cameraman, he is a true citizen of Russia, of our Homeland. Meetings like today's one at the National Centre RUSSIA are necessary. I am in favor of having as many of these evenings as possible," shared Alexander Mikhailov. 

The discussion about modern cinema was of particular interest to the guests. Experts and viewers talked about the importance of preserving the traditions laid down by such masters as Anatoly Zabolotsky, recalled interesting moments from filming, discussed the secrets of cinematography, and shared their opinions on how documentary and feature films were developing these days.

All details about the events of the National Centre RUSSIA can be found on the website russia.ru in the "Events" section. Admission to the events is free of charge, pre-registration is required.