IMAGINE OTHERWISE FILM SERIES: Moscow- Cassiopeia, 1974

Released in 1974, Moscow – Cassiopeia (dir. Richard Viktorov) is one of the more popular space-travel films from the time of the Soviet space race. The plot focuses on a trip to the star Alpha Cassiopeia, whose distance from Earth (the trip will take 26 years) makes the expedition highly unappealing to any adult astronaut. As such, Soviet authorities decide that the voyage should be led by minors – only adolescents under the age of 14 are allowed to apply for the mission. A group of children, who would rather spend their time in space than attending school, are launched into the stars.

Featuring impressive special effects and the usage of sci-fi tropes reminiscent of Star-Trek, Mocow – Cassiopeia can be seen as a continuation of Aelita’s cosmic imaginary, wherein the Soviet project is extended to the far reaches of space.