Explore the fascinating history of Soviet science fiction cinema and discover how contemporary artists are bringing a silent film classic to life through sound.
Join Professor of Russian Polly Jones for an engaging panel discussion with Oxford-based sound artist Stuart Fowkes, founder of Cities and Memory, Palermo-based composer and sound artist Nicola Mecca, and London-based interdisciplinary artist and composer deptiva.
Fowkes, who founded Cities and Memory with the ambition of "remixing the world, one sound at a time", conceived the Aelita: Queen of Mars project and brought together artists to create new soundtracks for the film. Mecca brings expertise in electroacoustic composition and film scoring, while deptiva works across experimental music, moving image and installation.
Together, they'll explore Aelita's place in the histories of Soviet cinema and science fiction, its cultural significance, and the creative process behind reimagining this cinematic classic through contemporary sound.
Part of Utopia Now!, a season exploring the role of the arts in making a better future possible.
Plan your afternoon
Experience Aelita: Queen of Mars with two completely different soundtracks, or make an afternoon of it by attending both screenings and joining a panel discussion in between.
13:00–14:55 | Aelita: Queen of Mars – Earth soundtrack
15:30–16:30 | Panel Discussion: Aelita: Queen of Mars with Professor Polly Jones & guests
Between the screenings, Professor Polly Jones is joined by Stuart Fowkes of Cities and Memory and artists who contributed to the new soundtracks. Together, they explore Aelita, its place in the histories of Soviet cinema and science fiction, and the creative process behind the new soundtracks.
17:00–18:55 | Aelita: Queen of Mars – Mars soundtrack
Book both screenings to experience the same film in two completely different ways, with each soundtrack creating a distinct sonic world.
Book film screenings
Please note: Each screening and the panel discussion must be booked separately.
