Petro Masokha
Actor
About Petro Masokha
Petro Masokha was a Soviet actor who appeared during the transition period from silent cinema to early sound films in the USSR. His most notable work was in Alexander Dovzhenko's masterpiece 'Earth' (1930), one of the most celebrated films of Soviet cinema. Masokha's career, though brief, coincided with a pivotal era in Soviet filmmaking when directors were exploring new cinematic techniques and themes. His appearance in 'Earth' placed him among the actors who helped realize Dovzhenko's poetic vision of Ukrainian rural life and collectivization. The actor also appeared in 'Ivan' (1932), another significant Soviet production of the early 1930s. His filmography, spanning only 1930-1932, suggests he may have been a character actor or someone whose film career was cut short by the political and social upheavals of the time. Like many actors of this period in Soviet cinema, detailed biographical information remains scarce due to limited documentation and the tumultuous historical context of the era.
The Craft
Milestones
- Appeared in Alexander Dovzhenko's 'Earth' (1930)
- Acted in 'Ivan' (1932)
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Petro Masokha's contribution to cinema, while limited in scope, is significant through his participation in 'Earth' (1930), universally regarded as one of the greatest achievements of Soviet cinema. The film itself has had enormous cultural impact, influencing generations of filmmakers worldwide with its poetic visual style and innovative techniques. By being part of this landmark production, Masokha contributed to a work that helped establish Soviet cinema as a major artistic force on the international stage. The film's enduring legacy in film history courses, retrospectives, and critical studies means that even minor contributors like Masokha are preserved as part of this important cultural artifact.
Lasting Legacy
Petro Masokha's legacy is primarily tied to his role in 'Earth' (1930), a film that continues to be studied and celebrated nearly a century after its creation. While his individual contributions may be difficult to trace in detail, his participation in this cinematic masterpiece ensures his place in film history. The brevity of his known film career (1930-1932) makes him representative of many actors from the early Soviet period whose work, while significant, was limited by the political and social circumstances of the time. His legacy serves as a reminder of the countless supporting actors and character performers who contributed to the golden age of Soviet cinema, even when their individual stories remain partially obscured by history.
Who They Inspired
Given the limited documentation of Petro Masokha's career and the brevity of his filmography, it's difficult to trace his direct influence on other actors or filmmakers. However, his work in 'Earth' contributed to a film that has been enormously influential on subsequent generations of cinema, particularly in its poetic visual style and innovative narrative techniques. The film itself influenced directors ranging from Sergei Parajanov to Andrei Tarkovsky, and its impact can be seen in world cinema from Italian neorealism to various national cinematic movements that embraced poetic realism.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Petro Masokha's personal life, which is common for many Soviet character actors of the early 1930s. The scarcity of biographical information may reflect either the limited nature of his film career or the historical circumstances of the period, when many personal records were lost or never thoroughly documented.
Did You Know?
- Appeared in 'Earth' (1930), which is often ranked among the greatest films ever made
- His career spanned the critical transition period from silent films to early sound in Soviet cinema
- Worked with Alexander Dovzhenko, one of the most important Soviet directors of the era
- His filmography consists of only two known films from 1930-1932
- Like many Soviet actors of the 1930s, detailed biographical information is scarce
- Participated during a politically complex period in Soviet cultural history
- His work represents the contribution of character actors to Soviet cinematic masterpieces
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Petro Masokha?
Petro Masokha was a Soviet actor active in the early 1930s, best known for his role in Alexander Dovzhenko's acclaimed film 'Earth' (1930). His brief film career also included 'Ivan' (1932), placing him among the actors who contributed to Soviet cinema during its formative years.
What films is Petro Masokha best known for?
Petro Masokha is primarily known for two films: 'Earth' (1930), directed by Alexander Dovzhenko and considered one of the masterpieces of Soviet cinema, and 'Ivan' (1932). 'Earth' in particular has achieved legendary status in film history.
When was Petro Masokha born and when did he die?
Unfortunately, specific birth and death dates for Petro Masokha are not documented in available sources, which is common for many Soviet character actors of the early 1930s. His known film career spanned from 1930 to 1932.
What awards did Petro Masokha win?
There are no documented awards or nominations for Petro Masokha in available sources. This is not unusual for character actors working in Soviet cinema during the early 1930s, when formal recognition systems were still developing.
What was Petro Masokha's acting style?
Specific details about Petro Masokha's acting style are not well-documented in available sources. As an actor in 'Earth' (1930), he would have worked within the poetic realist style that characterized Dovzhenko's approach to cinema, which emphasized visual poetry and naturalistic performance.
Films
2 films
