Traces the influence of Soviet philosopher Merab Mamardashvili on a generation of Soviet and Russian filmmakers Shortlisted for the 2020 AATSEEL Best Book in Cultural Studies award The first study of Mamardashvili's significant influence on cinema, culture and philosophy in Russia Offers a compelling analysis of contemporary Russian filmmakers, including Alexander Sokurov, Andrey Zvyagintsev and Alexei Balabanov Provides a carefully researched study of Mamardashvili's philosophy and intellectual biography, written for scholars from all disciplines Known as the 'Georgian Socrates' of Soviet philosophy, Merab Mamardashvili was a defining personality of the late-Soviet intelligentsia. In the 1970s and 1980s, he taught required courses in philosophy at Russia's two leading film schools, helping to educate a generation of internationally prolific directors. Exploring Mamardashvili's extensive philosophical output, as well as a range of recent Russian films, Alyssa DeBlasio reveals the intellectual affinities amongst directors of the Mamardashvili generation - including Alexander Sokurov, Andrey Zvyagintsev and Alexei Balabanov. This multidisciplinary study offers an innovative way to think about film, philosophy and the philosophical potential of the moving image.