Andrei Konchalovsky | Russian Federation | 2020 | 120m | Russian with English subtitles

Set in a provincial town in the south of the USSR in 1962, Lyudmila, a devout Communist Party official and idealistic veteran of WW II, is a scourge of anything she perceives as anti-Soviet sentiment. Together with other local Party officials, she is taken by surprise by a strike at the local factory, in which her own daughter is taking part. As the situation quickly spirals out of control, Lyudmila begins a desperate search for her daughter in the face of curfews, mass arrests, and the authorities' ruthless attempts to cover up the state violence. Her once unquestioning faith in the Party line is shaken by her growing awareness of its human toll, tearing apart the world she thought she knew.

"Throughout, Konchalovsky juxtaposes wide-ranging events with seemingly insignificant details to dramatic effect." -Mark Kermode, Observer (UK)

"Demonstrates how even the firmest conviction can wither when it comes into conflict with personal affection. Sure to be among the young year's best films." -Donald Clarke, Irish Times

Special Jury Prize - Venice Film Festival
Best Director - Chicago International Film Festival

Cost $8.99 (plus Ontario sales tax)

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