First released in 1937, Tsar to Lenin presents an extraordinary cinematic account of the Russian Revolution—from the mass uprising, which overthrew the centuries-old Tsarist regime in February 1917, to the Bolshevik-led insurrection eight months later that established the first socialist workers’ state and the final victory in 1921 of the new Soviet regime over counter-revolutionary forces after a three-year-long civil war.
The Russian Revolution of 1917 ranks among the seminal events of the twentieth century. The victory of the Bolshevik Party and the establishment of the Soviet Union not only abolished capitalism in the largest country on earth. The example of a victorious socialist revolution politically radicalized the working class throughout the world, inspiring the masses with the possibility of an alternative to capitalism and imperialism.
Based on archival footage assembled over more than a decade by the documentary filmmaker Herman Axelbank (1900-1979), Tsar to Lenin provides an unparalleled film record of a revolutionary movement, embracing millions, which “shook the world” and changed the course of history. Following the screening of the film, there will be a question-and-answer session.
Presented by the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE.)
