Former rector of VGIK Novikov died under strange circumstances

On October 5, the former rector of VGIK, Professor, Doctor of Philosophy Alexander Novikov passed away. They found him on the landing. Alexander Vasilyevich was 86 years old. He left a suicide note, which was found in his apartment by law enforcement officials.

So far, everything is at the level of assumptions. The note, which Alexander Vasilievich wrote, says: “It is impossible to tolerate a combination of factors in the areas of physiology, psyche, communication, I wish you all the best in life today and in the future. I went not far from the apartment, I say goodbye, I regret the troubles that I could unwittingly cause, low bow to VGIK.

Alexander Novikov headed VGIK from 1987 to 2007, and this is a long time in such a responsible position. But he somehow calmly coped with a load of unbearable problems and left a good memory of himself. Before becoming a rector, he graduated from the history department of Rostov University, postgraduate studies at Moscow State University, defended two Ph.D. He began teaching at VGIK in 1967, became vice-rector for scientific and creative work, defended his doctoral dissertation on the topic “Evolution of the aesthetics of naturalism”, headed the department of aesthetics, history and theory of culture and the dissertation council at VGIK.

He was a very kind and responsive person. In the cinematographic environment, Alexander Vasilyevich was well known. Many of us were on friendly footing with him. He could be called on business and just like that. He loved to visit festivals, where he often came with his daughter, helped people in difficult moments. In general, he was a happy person. It is difficult to imagine him furious and dissatisfied, in any case, outside of work, this was not at all. He somehow held on when he was overwhelmed from all sides by both filmmakers and officials, whose favorite children aspired to VGIK, dreamed of becoming actors and directors. It’s hard to say how he handled the situation, but he knew how to convince someone that it’s not worth doing anything, that it will bring nothing but disappointment.

Now there is a panic in VGIK. None of the colleagues really knows anything about what happened, emotions prevail: “What a horror!”, “Terrible news!”, “I can’t believe it”

We are talking with colleagues of Alexander Vasilyevich.

-How often did he visit VGIK after he left his post and became an honorary rector.

– He came to VGIK conferences, spoke, visited anniversary events, participated in the VGIK festival. Of course, I didn’t feel very well anymore, I lost a lot. We all asked about him at the department he headed, how he was doing. Colleagues answered: “Yes, nothing, Alexander Vasilyevich is invigorating, he does not give up.”

– He was sick, maybe he was taking some medicine. The tragedy could occur at the time of exacerbation, a sharp deterioration in health. At first they said that the heart failed, and then about a tragic incident. We really don’t know anything.

– He often called me, sometimes he fell into some kind of oblivion, but he was always very touching, he recalled our previous meetings, how we worked together. He could be overcome by despair in connection with everything that is happening in the world.

– He was sick?

– Yes, but got out. He had covid, a hip injury. But his beloved daughter was always there. They were very close to her. It is impossible to comprehend what happened. If he really died himself, then this is strange. He loved his daughter very much, he could not help but think about her, making a terrible decision. Probably felt lonely, especially after the injury. Maybe he didn’t walk well. This drama has it all. On a normal person, what we are now experiencing cannot but be reflected. And he probably watched all the news, worried.