A KEY pioneer of 1920s Soviet cinema, alongside the likes of Eistenstein, Pudovkin and Vertov, Alexander Dovzhenko drew much of his inspiration from the people, culture and landscape of his native Ukraine.

Made in 1930, Earth is the final part of the 'Ukrainian trilogy' for which the director is best known and which also takes in the films Zvenyhora and Arsenal.

One of cinema's true poets, Dovzhenko's career spanned 30 years. Earth - being screened at Harbour Lights with a live music score - was criticised by some for being too abstract and promoting Ukrainian nationalism.

Now regarded as his masterpiece, the silent 62-minute film started life as a political piece, but drew praise for its lyrical imagery and authentic depiction of the cycles of life and death.

Much of the director's later life was devoted to teaching. Among his students were future leading lights of Russian cinema Andrei Tarkovsky and Andrei Konchalovsky.

8 October, Harbour Lights Picture House. Screening: 7pm.