‹Rossiya 88› is the name of a Moscow skinhead band. The life of the band between Nazi rock music, military training and racially motivated attacks is shown through the eyes of one of its members, Abraham. Mostly filmed with a documentary-style handheld camera, the fictional story of the movie is mixed with real documentary scenes which show the deep-rooted racism and xenophobia which afflicts many parts of Russian society. When the leader of the gang discovers his sister is dating an immigrant, the distorted perceptions of honour and moral lead to a tragedy. The film caused immense controversy and several high-ranking politicians even tried to have it banned. It was still screened at festivals and in cinemas around Russia, but often accompanied by angry and sometimes violent protests by right-wing groups.
Pavel Bardin (*1975), RU 2009, 104', OV/d, DVD
Entrance fee: CHF 13 / 8
