Description
| Title | Geneva: Start of a Dialogue |
|---|---|
| Duration | 24 mins 20 secs |
| Collection | Educational and Television Films Ltd |
| Language | |
| Country View on map | |
| Director | |
| Producer | |
| Subjects | |
| Terms of Use | more… |
Description
A Soviet film documenting the historical summit between Reagan and Gorbachev that re-opened dialogue between the two nations.Credits
Cameras: Viacheslav Izvekov, Sergei Kuzminsky, Viacheslav Khodiakov Reporter: Nikolai Shishlin. Editor: G. Dukhovskaya Sound: V. Lorfman, Yu. Ogandzhanov
Segments
?Segment 1
Starts: 0:00
(5:34)
Studio credit. Cyrillic title. Street scenes Geneva, postcards with US and Soviet flags on, newspaper headlines about summit. International peace demonstration in streets, banners in many languages. Arrival of Reagan with wife Nancy. Reagan speaks to press. Commentary says that in the past five years peace has become increasingly vulnerable: US missiles deployed in Western European countries and the US military programme had been accelerating, including Strategic Defence Initiative (SDI). Soviet Union forced to take steps in response but still worked for resumption of Soviet American dialogue. Eve of meeting, large press conference with US officials (their comments are not heard). Commentary says that Americans express interest in better relations with the Soviet Union. 18 November, arrival of Gorbachev, accompanied by wife Raisa. Delegation met by Swiss President Kurt Furgler. Gorbachev speaks to the press, discussing the aims of the meeting. Gorbachev meets Kurt Furgler: good relations between Swiss and Soviets are emphasised. International conference hall, turned into office for international press. Commentary says the press is very interested in the Soviet press conference, footage of the conference.
Segment 2
Starts: 5:34
(4:04)
US delegation residence. Gorbachev arrives, Reagan meets him and they pose for press. This is the first Soviet-American top level meeting for six-and-a-half years. Gorbachev and Reagan pose for cameras in residence. Commentary says the agenda underwent changes in both form and essence, the greater part of the work shifted to intense personal talks between Gorbachev and Reagan [promoting Reagan to dub it the 'fireside summit']. Montage of images of exterior residence, Gorbachev and Reagan together and assembled officials. The talks are dominated by peace, strengthening security and ridding the world of the danger of war. A 'news blackout' is imposed. Journalists in the international press centre. American journalist gives his opinion of the summit. 19 November Gorbachev meets Jesse Jackson and other representatives of American organisations, pictures up in press centre, journalists take pictures of pictures. Letters to Gorbachev and Reagan, expressing wish that they reach agreement and that the world be made a safer place. Children's drawings from the 'Birds for Peace' organisation given warm reception at the Soviet mission.
Segment 3
Starts: 9:38
(6:04)
Reagan's motorcade arrives at Soviet mission, greeted by Gorbachev. Inside, they pose for press. Talks again in private, members of the delegations meet both separately and in plenary session. The delegations sit opposite each other, surrounded by press and officials. Close ups of Reagan and Gorbachev. Commentary says the 'daring new Soviet approach' and other things helped change conditions in Geneva for a move towards improved international relations. Gorbachev and Raisa arrive for 'protocol meeting' at US residence. Reagan and Nancy meet them, shake hands and pose for press. Guests seated for dinner. 21 November joint Soviet-American communiqué released. Summit ends with official ceremony. Gorbachev and Reagan walk onto stage to standing ovation. Gorbachev gives generally positive closing comments, talks about what they have discussed and how this is useful, recognises that they still disagree on many issues. Reagan makes closing speech. Applause. Soviet Minister of Foreign Affairs Eduard A. Shevardnadze and US Secretary of State George Shultz sign joint agreement on exchanges and contacts in science, education and culture. Reagan and Gorbachev look on.
Segment 4
Starts: 15:42
(6:28)
Official cars in streets, people wave and clap. Gorbachev holds press conference in the hall of the Soviet mission. He discusses the meetings and that they were "to a certain degree, productive." Discusses Soviet analysis of world situation. Cardinal changes requiring a new approach and fresh view of foreign policy. "We have arrived at a point where we must stop, look around and think." Nuclear war is inadmissible and cannot be won, this view expressed by both sides. Therefore the central problem between two countries is problem of security. In favour of reaching agreements ensuring equal security for both countries. Mutual reduction of nuclear weapons. Differences and rivalry will remain, but his should not be allowed to go beyond the permissible and to military confrontation. "We are for active competition with the United States." Following an honest and open policy. Believe that improvement in Soviet-American relations is possible. Need cooperation for problems accumulated to be cleared. Discusses importance of summit. Gorbachev responds to unheard journalist question.
Segment 5
Starts: 22:10
(2:10)
Journalists leave Soviet mission. Journalists at work. International newspaper headlines, all discussing the summit. General international satisfaction with outcome of summit. Politburo notes that the meeting had started a dialogue in order to change things for the better in Soviet-American relations and the world in general. Montage of Gorbachev and Reagan in discussion, shaking hands. Credits. End.
