Sampo, Soviet Film

This original 1959 Soviet film poster was created for the release of Сампо, translated as Sampo. The film was directed by Александр Птушко and produced by Mosfilm, and stands as one of the most ambitious fantasy projects in Soviet cinema. The story is drawn from the Karelian Finnish national epic Kalevala and centers on the legend of the Sampo, a magical object said to bring endless prosperity. The narrative follows the struggle between those who seek to protect the collective good and those driven by personal power, using myth, heroism, and folklore to explore themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and moral choice. By working outside contemporary realism, Ptushko crafted a timeless mythic film rooted in ancient storytelling traditions. Sampo occupies a distinctive place in Soviet film history as a fusion of folklore and technical innovation. Ptushko, a pioneer of visual effects, employed elaborate sets, miniatures, and optical techniques to bring the epic world of the Kalevala to the screen. Released internationally in edited form, the film helped introduce global audiences to this mythological tradition and remains a key example of late 1950s Soviet fantasy cinema. Size: 39.0" x 29.0" Condition: Very Good, Age-appropriate wear, fading and toning. Conservation mounted on linen. Light border wear. Please use the photo zoom feature to get a better understanding of overall condition. *Additional photos available upon request.