Their Own Republic by Russian director Aliona Polunina caused quite a fury at this year‘s Doclisboa due to its pro-Russian stance. The documentary nonetheless offers an interesting insight into the side of the Ukrainian conflict rarely portrayed in western media.
RUSSIA: A glimpse into Vladimir Putin‘s rise to power – from his early promises of media freedom to the flagrant disregard of democratic norms.
USSR: Vivid memories of home-made psychedelic drugs and Soviet revolutionary times are brought to life in Soviet Hippies.
Hotel Jugoslavija appears as a mirror image of the Yugoslav glory and downfall, symbolised by the once grand and luxurious hotel in the capital of a country that ceased to exist.
The magnificent images of snow covered coastal landscapes, endless birch forests, ice, frosty smoke and gloomy nights provide an insight into the harsh conditions many Russians live in, and their resilience.
