From Educational Propaganda to Cult of Personality: The Evolution of Soviet Cinema from Lenin to Stalin

Abstract This thesis examines the transformation of Soviet cinema as a propaganda tool from the leadership of Lenin to Stalin, focusing on how cinema transitioned from promoting socialist ideals to reinforcing a cult of personality and stricter societal control. During Lenin’s leadership, cinema was regarded as a medium to educate a largely illiterate population and spread revolutionary ideals. Films of Lenin's era, such as Dziga Vertov’s Kino-Pravda series, reflected Lenin’s vision of cinema as a means of promoting revolutionary ideals, class consciousness, and unity. However, the Soviet film industry faced significant challenges, including shortages of equipment, skilled personnel, and resources, which hindered the complete realisation of Lenin’s goals. Under Stalin's rule, the role of cinema changed significantly and aligned more closely with the regime’s totalitarian objectives. The focus of the films shifted from promoting broad socialist ideals to glorifying Stalin’s cult of personality, consolidating his power, and strengthening loyalty to the state. ''Socialist realism" became the official artistic style of that era, which required filmmakers to present an idealised version of Soviet life. Under socialist realism, films had to emphasise industrial achievements and military victories and present Stalin as a wise and ideal leader. This approach aimed to promote the regime's ideology and strengthen loyalty to the state. This thesis examines how Soviet cinema adapted to the regime's evolving priorities through an analysis of selected films and their historical context. The evolution of Soviet cinema as a propaganda tool during these two distinct eras. This study contributes to a broader understanding of the relationship between cinema and political power, offering insight into how film served as a political instrument in the Soviet Union.