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The Film «Alim»

The first Crimean Tatar Soviet silent feature film, released in 1926. A historical drama about Alim Aydamak, a legendary Crimean Tatar folk hero of the 19th century.

Overview

The creation of the film «Alim» was a landmark event in the history of Crimean Tatar and Ukrainian culture of the 1920s. The picture was shot by the All-Ukrainian Photo Cinema Administration (VUFKU) based on a screenplay by the Crimean Tatar playwright Umer Ipchi. The Ukrainian poet Mykola Bazhan, who then worked at the cinema administration, took a direct part in preparing and editing the screenplay. The film was a tremendous success and was screened in cinemas across Ukraine, becoming a symbol of fruitful cultural cooperation.

Key Details / Subtopics

  • Plot basis: The film is based on the story of Alim Aydamak — a Crimean Tatar "Robin Hood" who fought against the injustice of the wealthy and the colonial administration. The screenplay was written by Umer Ipchi based on his own play of the same name.
  • The role of VUFKU and Ukrainian artists: The film was produced by Ukraine's state film organization — VUFKU. The renowned Ukrainian poet Mykola Bazhan was in charge of editing and preparing the screenplay.
  • Reception: The film gained wide popularity and high praise from the intelligentsia of the time. In particular, the eminent poet Pavlo Tychyna expressed admiration for Umer Ipchi's screenplay and for the film itself.
  • We Are Stars of the Same Sky — A document on the creation, success, and assessment of the film «Alim» by Pavlo Tychyna.
  • Umer Ipchi — Crimean Tatar writer, author of the film's screenplay.
  • Pavlo Tychyna — Ukrainian poet who highly praised this film project.