An overwhelming final film by Larisa Shepitko, one of the greatest filmmaking talents of the Soviet Union. With her spiritually transcendent masterpiece, she won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 1977. The Ascent was restored in 4K by Mosfilm in 2018.

The Ascent — widely praised as the best Soviet film of the 1970s — is set during the darkest days of World War II. Two peasant soldiers, cut off from their unit, trudge through the snowy forests of Belarus, seeking refuge with villagers. Their harrowing journey becomes one of betrayal and heroism.

Although her name may not ring a bell for many, Larisa Shepitko (1938–1979) was one of the boldest and most acclaimed filmmakers of the Soviet era.

Remembrance Time:

Beginning of May 2025 LAB-1 will screen the famous (anti-)war film: Come and See (Idi i smotri) , Hiroshima Mon Amour  and The Ascent (Larisa Shepitko)

Special restored classic on big screen in LAB-1. Original language.
The film will be screened for our Dutch and international visitors (NL + ENG Sub)