Electro Moscow

“Communism is Soviet power plus the electrification of the whole country.” Elektro Moskva begins, and not without a certain irony, with this quote from Lenin and images alluding to the origins of the new regime; science and technological change have become the new gods. From Leon Theremin and the invention of his first instrument, to the pieces stolen by KGB agents in a USSR where they could not be acquired legally, this film is a celebration of the Soviet electronic age and the passion it still sparks today. Created from rich images from the archives and whimsical contemporary characters – collectors, musicians and scientists, this delightful film goes beyond simple nostalgia. Perhaps Benzo describes it best in the film: “What I like about Soviet instruments is that they are imperfect. [...] But at the same time the instrument tells you: ‘Hey, I am messed up. Probably you are too. Let's try it together.’ On a western device, you push a button and get a result. On Soviet instruments, you push a button and get something.”

Emilie Bujès