An Estonian-Latvian joint documentary on Kremlin propaganda is collecting awards

The Estonian-Latvian co-production „Surematu“(Immortal),which premiered at the Karlovy Vary Film Festival in early July, has been achieving acclaim and festival awards for half a year.

The film, „Surematu“ (“Immortal”) by Russian director Ksenija Ohapkin talks about “Junarmija”, a popular Soviet-style youth movement in Russia.

According to the filmmakers, the film „Surematu“ (Immortal) that was filmed in an industrial city in the far north of Russia is trying to comprehend what entices people to voluntarily deny their personalities and become national resources.

„Can an individual ever be truly free in a totalitarian society where sophisticated and obscure structures control their way of thinking from an early age? The film takes a fresh look at the shaping of Russian citizens. The director’s hard perception and demanding look reveals how the „system“ works in the most innocent of situations, at different moments of everyday life.“

Propastop wrote about the Junarmija youth camp in August of this year, which was also attended by Estonian youth.

The film has already won best documentary at the Grand Prix Karlovy Vary Film festival and the Best Film Award at the Astra Film Festival in Romania and at the ArtDokfest in Riga, Latvia.

„Surematu“(Immortal) is a candidate in the feature-length documentary category at the Oscar Awards.

The film is produced by Riho Västrik and is co-produced by the Estonian film studio Vesilind and Latvian VFS Films.

NB the film is touring smaller cinemas in Estonia as of late 2019 and in early 2020 as part of the Kinobuss repertoire. It can be seen in December at the Piusa Visitor Center and in January at the Pirita Free Time Center, Iisaku Community Center and Varstu Cultural Center.

A longer interview with the filmmakers can be read in the Maaleht.

Photos from the movie website www.immortal.ee