iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

Thrilled to see another lovely review of my book, ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’, in Slavic and East European Journal. You can read more reviews and a free sample at t.co/fcNdUgHJE0

Image shows the cover of the book ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’ by Deborah Allison, plus an extract of a review by Marina Rojavin, published in Slavic and East European Journal, which reads: ‘The book is a fantastic companion for both specialists and amateurs. After the author’s analysis, even if you have already watched Rou’s films, you will want to watch them again. I hope that many people read this book and that it inspires them to watch Rou’s films with an appreciative eye.’

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

This Thursday, 16 July, I’ll be introducing Aleksandr Rou’s wonderful Soviet fantasy film VASILISA THE BEAUTIFUL (1939) at Finsbury Park Picturehouse in London. Further info and tickets here: picturehouses.com/Vasilisa

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Intellect Books @intellectbooks.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

A great evening at the BFI with Deborah Allison discussing her new book, The Films of Aleksandr Rou. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a fascinating conversation about one of Russian cinema's most visionary filmmakers. 🎬📚

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Jon Dear @accordingtojond.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

In the rather funky environs of the Club Room at Picturehouse Finsbury Park to see @deborahuk.bsky.social introduce Soviet fairy tale Vasilisa the Beautiful. Here lie the origins of so much 80s fantasy cinema! Looking forward to getting Deborah's book.

Dr. Deborah Allison introducing the film. A big picture of her book, The Films of Aleksandor Rou is desplayed behind her.

A longer shot, taking in the audience sat cabaret style.

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Rogue Commentary @roguecommentary.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 @vicpratt.bsky.social‘s excellent commentary for the little-seen psychological drama Eclipse (1977), available on the @BFI Blu-ray 🎧

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Tipping My Fedora @tippingmyfedora.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Chuffed to have contributed to the extras for Hammer's 36 HOURS (1953) with the likes of Dr Jo Botting, @barryf48.bsky.social, Heath Holland Maxim Jakubowski, Wayne Kinsey, @annodracula.bsky.social, @vicpratt.bsky.social, Toby Roan, @britfilmmelanie.bsky.social, et al. Out today! hammerfilms.com

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Intellect Books @intellectbooks.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

In this illustrated presentation, Dr Deborah Allison introduces the work of one of the world’s great masters of fairy-tale cinema. Buy tickets here 👉https://ow.ly/a1cw50YY5sS Dr Deborah Allison

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Today’s postal delivery. I wrote about the opening title sequences of Universal horror movies in the 1930s and 1940s for the new issue of The Age of Thrills. #titledesign

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Please join me next Monday, 15 June, when I’ll be on the other side of this lovely Storyteller window at the BFI Reuben Library to talk about my latest book: ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’. More info here: tinyurl.com/43atz6ce @intellectbooks.bsky.social

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Intellect Books @intellectbooks.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

On this episode, James Campbell is joined by Deborah Allison, author of The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema. They discuss Rou's life, filmmaking style, fairy-tale adaptations and lasting impact on Soviet cinema. Watch 👉https://youtu.be/aysnlid-LNM

Podcast episode announcement featuring Deborah Allison, author of a book on Aleksandr Rou and Soviet fairy-tale cinema, with a blurred portrait and soundwave graphics.

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theraygun.bsky.social @theraygun.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

The BFI has done great work with the films we used to watch at after school film club in the mid 1970s. Also reminded of that time I went to a CFF reception at parliament with my old man, Labour grandee Gwyneth Dunwoody, Keith Chegwin and Rod Hull and Emu. I have photographic evidence somewhere

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Vic Pratt @vicpratt.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

There's a lovely review of Children's Film Foundation Bumper Box Volume 6 by the marvellous Bob Fischer @bobfischer.bsky.social in the latest Fortean Times...

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theartsdesk @theartsdesk.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

'Short, sweet, high on kid-based comedy hi-jinks and straightforward adventure; low on boring grown-ups' ★★★★★ CHILDREN'S FILM FOUNDATION Volume 6 - Life-enhancing vintage entertainment, for children of all ages, now on #BFI DVD - review @grahamrickson.bsky.social www.theartsdesk.com/film/dvd-chi...

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Discover the Soviet fantasy cinema of Aleksandr Rou and take a walk on the wild side with ‘Barbara the Fair with the Silken Hair’: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkZH6cyBrB4. Read more about it in my new book, ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’: ow.ly/MbXT50YJNJs

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Vic Pratt @vicpratt.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Have you heard the GOON POD podcast? All things Sellers, Milligan,Secombe, et al. I had a fine time chatting to host Tyler Adams about the Sellers-directed MR TOPAZE - a much underated film & one of my favourite BFI Flipside releases. Check it out: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/m...

podcasts.apple.com

Mr Topaze (1961)

Podcast Episode · Goon Pod · 6 May · 1hr 15min

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Join me on Monday 15 June at BFI Southbank in London, where I’ll be talking about my book, ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’, at the wonderful BFI Reuben Library. Tickets available now.

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

I did some writing! It was fun to revisit ‘Invaders from Mars’ (1953) for the BFI’S upcoming extras-stacked 4K UHD Blu-ray release – out tomorrow.

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Fancy the rare chance to watch a classic of Soviet fantasy cinema on the big screen? Join me at Finsbury Park Picturehouse on 16 July when I’ll be introducing director Aleksandr Rou’s rather wonderful VASILISA THE BEAUTIFUL (1939). picturehouses.com/Vasilisa

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

A record-breaking 35 degrees in London today. How I long for Jack Frost to touch me with his icy wand. Aleksandr Khvylia in MOROZKO (aka Jack Frost; dir. Aleksandr Rou, USSR, 1964).

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Ahead of my book talk at the BFI Reuben Library on 15 June, I wrote this piece for the BFI website: Where to begin with Aleksandr Rou. www.bfi.org.uk/features/where-begin-with-aleksandr-rou

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Goon Pod @goonpod.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

MR TOPAZE (1961) pod.link/1569929507 With Vic Pratt of the BFI @vicpratt.bsky.social The only film Peter Sellers directed, and one which rarely gets talked about despite some fine performances by Leo McKern, Michael Gough and Sellers himself, it's a muted study of the cynicism of human nature.

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Vic Pratt @vicpratt.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

podcasts.apple.com

Mr Topaze (1961)

Podcast Episode · Goon Pod · 6 May · 1hr 15min

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Discover the colourful Soviet fantasy cinema of Aleksandr Rou. Watch ‘Jack Frost’ (Morozko, 1964) with subs: youtube.com/watch?v=BdXygZcZSWY. Then read more about it in my new book, ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’: intellectbooks.com/the-films-of-aleksandr-rou

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Discover the weird and wonderful fantasy cinema of Aleksandr Rou. Watch ‘The Magic Weaver’ (USSR, 1959) with subs: youtube.com/watch?v=EfYy_FPrRjk. Then read more about it in my new book, ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’: intellectbooks.com/the-films-of-aleksandr-rou

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Intellect Books @intellectbooks.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema by Deborah Allison is out in paperback now! This book introduces the exhilarating oeuvre of one of the world’s great masters of fairy-tale cinema to Western audiences. Find out more here 👉https://ow.ly/MbXT50YJNJs

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Terence Towles Canote @mercurie80.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

Today in 1914 director William Castle was born.

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Delighted to have been given the opportunity to contribute to this splendid new 4K UHD release of Saul Bass’s PHASE IV, released by 88 Films this week. It’s a film I like a lot. Review by @nicksetchfield.bsky.social for SFX Magazine.

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Love folklore on film? Horror, romance, music and comedy combine in ‘May Night’ (USSR, 1952), based on Gogol’s retelling of Ukrainian folktales. Read more in ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’, out in paperback April 2026. intellectbooks.com/the-films-of-aleksandr-rou

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

Discover the fantasy cinema of Aleksandr Rou. Watch ‘The Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors’ (1963) with subs: sovietmoviesonline.com/fantasy/korolevstvo-krivyh-zerkal. Then read more about it in ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’: intellectbooks.com/the-films-of-aleksandr-rou

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Soho Bites Podcast @sohobitespodcast.com · 14/04/2026

"King of the Underworld", the film @vicpratt.bsky.social discusses in this month's show, is actually 3 episodes of an old TV series “Inspector Morley, Late of Scotland Yard” stitched together. Each story ends abruptly. This is the end scene from story 1, cut out when the film was put together 📽️ 1/3

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

Discover the fantasy and fairy-tale movies of Aleksandr Rou. ‘The Magic Weaver’ (USSR, 1959). Read more in my book ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’, out in paperback April 2026. intellectbooks.com/the-films-of-aleksandr-rou #fantasy #fairytale #SovietCinema

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Bob Fischer @bobfischer.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

New and exclusive on the Haunted Generation website! A genial natter with the BFI's own @vicpratt.bsky.social, producer of the brand new Children's Film Foundation box set. Magic marbles, escaped lions, Michael Elphick and pocket calculators all included... hauntedgeneration.co.uk/2026/04/14/v...

hauntedgeneration.co.uk

Vic Pratt, The Children’s Film Foundation and Texas Instruments

It’s a catholic body of work that can seamlessly incorporate 1) a magic marble that gives 1950s children unlimited access to toys from Bermondsey market, and 2) Michael Elphick threatening to…

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Discover the fantasy and fairy-tale movies of Aleksandr Rou. ‘Jack Frost’ (Morozko, USSR, 1964). Read more in my book ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’, out in paperback April 2026. intellectbooks.com/the-films-of-aleksandr-rou #fantasy #fairytale #SovietCinema

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Out in paperback this month: My book, ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’. Use code INTELLECT30 for a 30% discount on pre-orders direct from Intellect (UK) bit.ly/3Qj9Q2E or Chicago University Press (US) bit.ly/47HqU8F. #AleksandrRou #АлександрРоу

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Discover the fantasy and fairy-tale movies of Aleksandr Rou. ‘Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors’ (USSR, 1963). Read more in my book ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’, out in paperback April 2026. bit.ly/3Qj9Q2E #fantasy #SovietCinema

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Discover the fantasy and fairy-tale movies of Aleksandr Rou. ‘Kashchei The Immortal’ (USSR, 1945). Read more in my book ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’, out in paperback April 2026. bit.ly/3Qj9Q2E #fantasy #SovietCinema

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

Discover the fantasy and fairy-tale movies of Aleksandr Rou. ‘New Adventures of Puss in Boots’ (USSR, 1958). Read more in my book ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’, in paperback April 2026. intellectbooks.com/the-films-of-aleksandr-rou #fantasy #fairytale #SovietCinema

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 04/04/2026

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

Barbara the Fair with the Silken Hair (dir. Aleksandr Rou, USSR, 1969) can be viewed on YouTube with English subs here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkZH...

youtube.com

Barbara the Fair with the Silken Hair (1969) - EN, ES, FR, IT, NL, PT, RU

YouTube video by Soviet Movies Online

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

Happy Easter! Frame still of the Storyteller (Anastasiia Zueva) from the utterly wonderful and crazy fairy-tale feature film ‘Barbara the Fair with the Silken Hair’ (dir. Aleksandr Rou, USSR, 1969). To be honest, it’s not an Easter film, but it’s a really fun watch. #AleksandrRou #АлександрРоу

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Photograph of author Deborah Allison holding a copy of her book, 'The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema'.

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

Saturday afternoon band practice in the Sooty retirement home.

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Ray Newman @raynewman.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Now watching: ‘Eclipse’, dir. Simon Perry, 1977. ✅ Sense of foreboding ✅ Humming, warbling synths ✅ Wintry coastal landscapes The BFI’s @vicpratt.bsky.social deserves medals and things.

A poster for the film with Tom Conti lying dead in the water with a small sailing boat behind or above him.

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Dr Deborah Allison @deborahuk.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

8 March marks 120 years since the birth of one of my favourite film directors. Aleksandr Rou, the father of Soviet fairy-tale cinema, #BOTD in 1906. My book about his career will be out in paperback on 22 May. @intellectbooks.bsky.social

A montage of five images, including the following. A portrait photograph of Aleksandr Rou. The front cover of the book ‘The Films of Aleksandr Rou: Father of Soviet Fairy-Tale Cinema’ by Deborah Allison, which shows an image from the film ‘Vasilisa the Beautiful’ (1939). An image from the film ‘Evenings on a Film Near Dikanka’ (1961). An image from the film ‘Jack Frost’, aka ‘Morozko’ (1964). An image from the film ‘Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors’ (1963).

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Graham Rickson 🇮🇪 @grahamrickson.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

I loved watching and reviewing this disc. Pioneering investigative journalist Daniel Farson investigates witches, UFOs, cats, striptease, the Stock Exchange and a whole load more: www.theartsdesk.com/tv/blu-ray-d... @vicpratt.bsky.social #bfi #danielfarson #associatedrediffusion

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