Sergei Vasilyev (director)

Sergei Vasilyev
Born(1900-11-04)4 November 1900
Died16 December 1959(1959-12-16) (aged 59)
Occupation(s)Actor, film director, screenwriter
Years active1924–1958
Notable workChapaev (1934)
TitlePeople's Artist of the USSR (1948)

Sergei Dmitrievich Vasilyev (Russian: Серге́й Дми́триевич Васи́льев; 4 November 1900, Moscow – 16 December 1959, Moscow) was a Soviet and Russian film director, screenwriter and actor. From 1928 to 1943 together with Georgi Vasilyev (often jointly, though incorrectly credited as the Vasilyev brothers) he co-directed several films, including the influential and critically acclaimed Chapaev (1934). Sergei Vasilyev was granted the honorary title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1948; and received (with Georgi Vasilyev) two Stalin Prizes in 1941 and 1942.

His 1942 film The Defence of Tsaritsyn concerns the Battle of Tsaritsyn during the Russian Civil War, a battle in which Joseph Stalin played a prominent role. In 1942, Tsaritsyn, by then renamed Stalingrad, was in the midst of the decisive Battle of Stalingrad, a turning point of the Second World War.

Filmography

Year English title Russian title Comments
1928 Heroic Deed Among the Ice Подвиг во льдах Director; documentary
1930 The Sleeping Beauty Спящая красавица Director, screenwriter
1932 A Personal Affair Личное дело Director, screenwriter
1934 Chapaev Чапаев Director, screenwriter, actor
1937 Volotchayevsk Days Волочаевские дни Director, screenwriter
1942 The Defense of Tsaritsyn Оборона Царицына Director, screenwriter
1943 The Front Фронт Director, screenwriter
1955 Heroes of Shipka Герои Шипки Director
1958 The October Days В дни Октября Director, screenwriter

Honours and awards