Synopsis
On the desert island of Ostrov, in the Caspian Sea, a handful of inhabitants live without roads, electricity, or jobs, abandoned by the Russian state since the collapse of the Soviet Union. In this dystopian atmosphere, this film reveals the portrait of a family forced to imagine a future in the midst of ruins, or to turn towards the outside world, towards Russia and its current state.
A word from Tënk
Once home to a thriving fishing collective farm, the island of Ostrov in the Caspian Sea has fallen into despair. Caught between political turmoil after the fall of the USSR, the few remaining inhabitants have been abandoned by the government of Russia and must rely on poaching to survive. With no jobs and no electricity or gas, the fishermen are forced to illegally fish the heavily patrolled seas, risking both their lives and freedom. In this tale of love, hope and dreams set against the harsh and barren backdrop of the island, some residents pray to escape, while others believe Putin will restore Russia to greatness and rescue the lost island from its plight.
Heather Haynes
Associate director and programmer
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