The Battle of Moscow in the Chronicle of “Soyuzkinojournal” № 104 and in Issues of the Newsreel “In Defence of Native Moscow” (To the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War)

In the article the analysis and meaning of reflection in the newsreel “Soyuzkinojournal” № 104 and issues of the newsreel ‘On defence of native Moscow’ of the events connected with the Battle of Moscow, one of the most important events of the Great Patriotic War. Soyuzkinojournal No. 104, published on 15 November 1941, was for the first time fully devoted to the defence of Moscow. His newsreel consists of scenes conveying the front atmosphere of Moscow: central streets blocked by barricades; Muscovites working on the construction of fortifications; camouflaged buildings; militiamen receiving uniforms; columns of infantry going to the front; fighting positions of anti-aircraft gunners, etc. In the difficult days of 1941, when the German troops were 25—30 kilometres away from the capital, on December 3, 1941, a new newsreel ‘To Defend Our Native Moscow’ began to be shown on the screens of Moscow cinemas. From the materials sent to the studio by frontline cameramen, short sketches and individual stories were edited, which told about the battles on the outskirts of Moscow, about the military everyday life of the Soviet capital. The last issues of the newsreel informed the viewer about the counter-offensive of the Red Army and the defeat of the German troops near Moscow. The newsreel was published from November 1941 to February 1942, the last issue was published on 1 November 1942, a total of nine issues. Documentary footage of newsreels formed in the audience a sense of involvement in what was happening, supported the fighting spirit and strengthened faith in the coming victory.