The cultural heritage of Crimea in cinema of the 1920s – early 1930s: new forms of propaganda

This article examines for the first time the phenomenon of cinema as a form of propaganda for Crimea's cultural heritage. Using documentary film and photo materials, central archives, and periodicals, it presents the key milestones in the development of Soviet historical and popular science cinema about Crimea. The role of regional scientific and educational organizations in the development of cinema as a means of popularizing Crimean history and culture is highlighted. This article presents information on the participation of the Crimea OHRIS (Crimean regional committee for museums and the protection of monuments of art, nature, antiquity and folk life) in the production of films. The role of representatives of the Crimean scientific community, A. I. Polkanov, U.A. Bodaninsky, and K.E. Grinevich, in the process of filming the propaganda of the cultural heritage of Crimea is highlighted. Archival data and periodical materials on the films «Song on the Stone» (1926), «Alim» (1926), «Yeshil-Ada» (1927), and «City Under Water» (1931) are examined. For the first time, materials on unrealized film projects about the cultural monuments of Crimea, «On Foot in Crimea» and «Cave Towns of Crimean Gothia», are presented. Article also analyzes the collaboration between the Crimean scientific community and representatives of the All-Ukrainian Photo Cinema Administration (VUFKU), Sevzapkino, Sovkino, and Vostokkino in the creation of popular science and feature films on cultural and historical themes.