Directed by Georgi Kropachyov and Konstantin Yershov • 1967 • USSR/Russia
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Based on a novella by Nikolai Gogol and famed as the first and last Soviet horror film, Viy is a cult classic rich with dark humour, startling imagery, and folklore fantasy. Set in Gogol’s native Ukraine, the story follows the misadventures of seminary student Khoma (Leonid Kuravlyov), who is forced to spend three nights with the corpse of a vengeful young witch (Natalya Varley) and her coterie of demonic sidekicks. Boasting exuberant art design from the great Aleksandr Ptushko as well as an dizzying array of practical effects, Viy was a hit with Soviet audiences that remains ripe for rediscovery.

VIY • ВИЙ
Directed by Georgi Kropachyov and Konstantin Yershov
Written by Aleksandr Ptushko, Georgi Kropachyov, Konstantin Yershov
From the story by Nikolai Gogol
Cinematography by Fyodor Provorov and Viktor Pishchalnikov
Music by Karen Khachaturian
Starring: Leonid Kuravlyov, Natalya Varley, Vadim Zakharchenko

In Russian with English subtitles