Viy (1909 film)

Viy is a Russian silent film adaptation of Nikolai Gogol's 1835 novella of the same name. The film was directed by Vasily Goncharov and is considered to be one of the earliest film adaptations of Gogol's work. Details about the film are scarce due to its age and the loss of many early films. It is believed to be a relatively short film, likely lasting only a few minutes.

The cast is largely unknown, and surviving information about the plot is limited to its general adherence to Gogol's original story. This includes the main character Khoma Brut, a seminarian, being summoned to read prayers for a deceased young woman. The story culminates in a terrifying night where he is besieged by demonic creatures, including the titular Viy.

The film is now considered a lost film. No copies are known to exist, and its existence is mainly documented through contemporary film reviews and mentions in historical records. The lack of surviving material makes a comprehensive analysis of its artistic merit and historical significance difficult.