Alexander Akilov. Brief Sketches. Dushanbe in the 1980s

Footage from the personal archive of A.Akilov

Alexander Akilov is a professional painter. He was born in the city of Stalinabad (currently known as Dushanbe) in the Tajik Soviet Socialist Republic in 1951. After completing his studies at the M. Alimov Republican Art College, he graduated from the Faculty of Art at the All-Union State Institute of Cinematography in 1977.
In order to fully appreciate the artistic world of Alexander Akilov, one should delve into the origins of his work. This documentary film is a personal account of Soviet Tajikistan and the multinational city of Dushanbe. Within each frame, the artist skillfully weaves intricate dramas and fragments of human experiences. Even through the lens, Akilov views the world from a completely unique perspective and captures the exact essence that exists within his paintings.
The film presents a glimpse into the life of Tajikistan during that period. It features the shadowy streets and courtyards of old Dushanbe, as well as mountainous landscapes and villages perched on slopes. The sound of a rushing mountain river, the clash of bright sunlight with sharp shadows, which add their own pattern to the fabric of traditional clothing, the calls of nocturnal birds filling the quiet, and smooth, rhythmic music all serve to reflect the character of the local people.