Enjoying unprecedented access to Faberge's greatest creations, insights from leading experts and interviews with descendents of the Fabergé family, the documentary, written and directed by Patrick Mark, charts the rich history behind the iconic luxury brand and offers the chance to experience exquisite Fabergé pieces in intricate detail on the big screen.
The documentary follows the story of Fabergé from Imperial Russia to the present day, spanning 150 years of turbulent history, romance and artistic development.
From the bejewelled Easter Eggs of the Romanov Tsarinas to the 1970s' allure of 'Brut by Fabergé' aftershave, and from the Russian Revolution to today's high-fashion glitz in New York and London, the film explores a multifaceted world that began with one man: the prodigiously talented Peter Carl Fabergé, court jeweller of St Petersburg.
The allure of Fabergé's infamous Imperial Eggs lies as much in their fabled history as it does the precious objects they house. Created by Carl Fabergé for the Russian Imperial Family between 1885 and 1916, the precious eggs were seized during the Russian Revolution and later sold or destroyed. Of the 50 known Imperial Eggs, seven remain lost - with the remaining 43 held in private, royal or museum collections around the world.
During the film, cinema audiences will see the extraordinary unveiling of two historic pieces: The first 'Imperial Class' Fabergé Egg to be produced in almost 100 years, the Pearl Egg was commissioned to mark 100 years since the production of the last Imperial Egg for Tsar Nicolas II, and will be unveiled to audiences in exquisite close-up detail. A spectacular objet d'art, it features over 3000 diamonds and natural pearls.
The remarkable story is of the long-lost 1887 Imperial Egg, rediscovered last year by a scrap metal dealer and sold to a private collector for a reported $30 million. The egg was one of 50 created by Fabergé for the Russian Royal Family. Measuring 8.2cm high, it was given by Tsar Alexander III to the Tsarina for Easter 1887, and was last seen in public in March 1902, as part of an exhibition of Imperial treasures in St Petersburg.
This cinematic event offers the public a rare opportunity to experience the wonder of Fabergé's exquisite objects in stunning detail on the big screen, before they are returned to the secrecy of their private collections.
Shot at locations across Russia, Europe and US (including the collection of Queen Elizabeth II), the film features interview contributions from the world's foremost Fabergé authorities, as well as personal reminiscences from Fabergé family members.
The 90-minute documentary Fabergé - A Life of its Own will be showing exclusively at Cinema Nouveau theatres in Joburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town for four screenings only: on 25, 29 and 30 July at 7.30pm and on 26 July at 2.30pm.
For more information and to make bookings, go to www.cinemanouveau.co.za or sterkinekor.mobi. Download the Ster-Kinekor App on any Nokia, Samsung Android, iPhone or Blackberry smart phone for updates, news and to book. Follow on Twitter @nouveaubuzz and on Facebook at Cinema Nouveau. For queries, call Ticketline on 0861-Movies (668 437).
