Please join the Russia and Eurasia Program at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Fletcher’s Cinema Central Club, and the Russian Program at Tufts University for a screening of The Sacrifice (1986), the final film of legendary Soviet director and screenwriter Andrei Tarkovsky. The film screening will be followed by a conversation led by Vida Johnson, Professor Emerita in the Department of International Literary and Cultural Studies and a renowned expert on Russian film, literature, culture, and language, particularly the films of Tarkovsky. 

The Sacrifice follows a middle-aged intellectual who, facing the threat of nuclear war, makes a desperate plea to God, offering everything he holds dear to prevent the catastrophe. The film explores themes of spirituality, sacrifice, and the human condition set in the backdrop of the Cold War. The film opens with a wealthy Swedish family who celebrates the birthday of their patriarch, Alexander, when news of the outbreak of World War III reaches their remote island in the Baltic Sea, and the happy mood turns to horror. The family descends into a state of psychological devastation. For Alexander, a philosopher troubled about mankind’s lack of spirituality, the prospect of inevitable extinction compels the ultimate sacrifice, and he enters into a bargain with God to save his loved ones from a nuclear holocaust. 

The event is open to the public. Please make sure to register via the Microsoft Form here to attend the event in person. Refreshments will be served. 

Visitors to the Medford/Somerville campus are welcome to park in the Dowling Garage or Cousens Parking Lot. Visitors may pay for their parking sessions via the web portal or payment kiosks. Please contact us with any questions you might have about the event.