Lens Behind the Iron Curtain, part 1
name: label: Collection Creator
content: Kreznar, Frank L.
label: Collection Creator
content: Kreznar, Sonia
setName: label: See more items in
content: Frank L. Kreznar films
physdesc: label: Extent
content: 1 Film reel (19 minutes, color sound, 692 feet, 16mm)
unitdate: label: Date
content: 1965
container: label: Container
content: Item 1997.17.9
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Human Studies Film Archives
objectType: label: Type
content: Archival materials
label: Type
content: Moving Images
label: Type
content: Film reels
scopecontent: label: Scope and Contents
content: Edited film created by Kreznars during a guided tour of the Soviet Union in 1965.  Film consists of footage of Moscow and Leningrad mainly of public places with a special emphasis on historically important buildings. Throughout the footage Kreznar shows modern apartment buildings as they are being constructed, with his commentary discussing the Soviets' efforts to modernize the territories under their control and the recent population growth in these cities. Kreznar is also interested in the modes of public transportation in each city  -  such as street cars or the metro in Moscow. Kreznar notes that most automobile production in the Soviet Union focuses on trucks for work while cars are considered a rare luxury for private citizens. He also discusses the high volume of pedestrian traffic. Kreznar also takes an interest in religion in this footage, showing churches in disrepair or having been de-sanctified and converted into housing, museums, or other government administrated buildings. Kreznar notes that this is due to the Soviet government's anti-religious policy, but he also shows some churches under recently started restoration due to the government's realization of the touristic value of these sites. Film includes occasional shots of people working, mainly in outdoor produce markets. Women are shown doing road construction in Moscow as well as various public parks, swimming pools, and other public recreation areas, with a special emphasis on how the Soviet government has given children places to play.

Film is broken up into three parts, each with its own opening title screen, although, the narrative seems to be continuous and the footage likely follows the original chronological order of the guided tour. This footage was shot silent with no live audio recorded during the tour. Voiceover audio commentary and background music added by Kreznar during editing.