«Friends and strangers» in Russian cinema: traditions and transformations

The article attempts to comprehend the traveled path of Russian cinema from the point of view of tradition and innovation, as well as highlight the key themes of Russian, Soviet and modern cinema, dividing the period under review (1922- 2022) into four conditional blocks. Cinema, as one of the youngest forms of art, depends on the socio-cultural context and key historical events, on national traditions and the moral code of the people, on cultural values and the desire to know oneself and the world around, without contrasting «oneself» with «others» and «strangers.» Cultural studies helps to divide films by the most frequently recurring themes and to see their relationship with modern times. The purpose of the study is to show the thematic unity in Russian cinema and to name the most famous works of directors, to see its transformation over time, and also to emphasize the continuity between film directors of different generations by naming their names and works. The concept of «friends and strangers» in cinema art belongs to the present, past and future tense. He is initially present in every film text, while «friends» and «strangers» try to unite in groups they understand for creation, survival, understanding, movement, development, attracting «others» into their «camp». The interaction of the «past» and the «present» makes it possible to make a forecast about the successful outcome of the «future» in Russian cinema.