Ruslan Fedotov

This is ‘a road movie’ encapsulated in the Moscow metro system and filmed over the course of one year: a documentary film that observes cultural and social issues in modern Russia.

The plot of the film is based on the large-scale reconstruction of the historical building of the HPP-2 power plant on Bolotnaya Embankment under the direction of architect Renzo Piano and the transformation of the power plant into a cultural institution and a cultural house of the V-A-C foundation, founded by Leonid Mikhelson. For five years, the process of fixing this reincarnation was carried out. The basis of the shooting method was the desire to show big events through the prism of the interaction of art and life of the construction site and the V-A-C foundation, through small details, through the people who are doing it all.

Celebrated Russian theatre director Anatoly Vasiliev's Asino (Italian for donkey) is an epic ode to this beast of burden. The donkey has a long cultural history dating back to Greek mythology and the Bible: Jesus rode into Jerusalem on one; Sancho Panza had a loyal donkey; Winnie the Pooh was friends with the dejected Eeyore. Donkeys stand for stupidity, stubbornness and humility.

Sigur Rós have given a dozen film makers the same modest budget and asked them to create whatever comes into their head when they listen to songs from the band's album Valtari. The idea is to bypass the usual artistic approval process and allow people utmost creative freedom. These 16 films are the result. Sad, funny, beautiful and, occasionally, plain bewildering, they represent just some of the available emotional responses to this most contemplative album.

In defiance of Russia’s anti-LGBTQ laws, a queer, 21-year-old artist risks her life performing in surreal costumes throughout Moscow. Jenna Marvin’s radical public performances blend artistry and activism in this SXSW documentary.

Documentary film by Ruslan Fedotov

In the frigid waters off of Russia’s Bering Strait, Inuit and Chukchi hunters today still seek out the giant sea mammals that have provided their people with food since time immemorial. It is known, that the whale hunting today is controversial and subject to international criticism and regulations. But the Inuit and Chukchi hunt is permitted by international law because of the whaling is the foundation of their culture and their life. The contemporary story of elders Aleksandr and Aleksei blends seamlessly with that of “the woman who gave birth to a whale” and other ancient myths, told here in vivid animation, in this ongoing struggle for survival and preservation of a traditional lifestyle in one of the most remote places on earth.

Five star players, five world-class pros with fabulous fees. They are 20 years old, they already know what it means to win. This is the NaVi esports team. The filmmakers talk about a difficult time in their life associated with a major defeat and loss of champion status. Ahead of the guys is the final of the 2020 championship in Poland, which can once again raise them to the top.