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5 queer dramas about experiencing love in Russia

Some human experiences can’t be silenced even by the threats of death or imprisonment. Even though Russia has always made it hard for queer art to be freely accessible, some directors kept telling love stories so that they never be forgotten. It is crucial to remember that queer love exists even if governmental laws deny it.

Can be found with English subtitles. 

Trigger Warning: sexual and physical violence.

Fire Bird, 2021 by Peeter Rebane

Two Soviet Soldiers are falling in love during the Cold War in occupied Estonia.

The movie was shown at the 43rd Moscow International Film Festival as part of the “Russian Heritage” program.Sexual relationships with a man were punishable by 5 years in prison. Yet Sergei and Roman continued to explore their passion, love, and friendship despite heteronormativity implanted in Soviet society.

The Fans, 2020 by Seva Galkin

This is a violent storyline about two skinheads hunting gay people while being in a sexual relationship with each other.

“The Fans” were removed from the Moscow film festival without any explanation.

As the director himself says, the movie “examines the crisis of masculinity and the consequences of homophobic rhetoric in Russian media”

You I Love, 2004 by Olga Stolpovskaya and Dmitriy Troitskiy

Presented during the Berlin Film Festival while being a “shame for the Russian movie industry”. 

The film does not only demonstrate topics of sexuality but also spotlights immigration, capitalist energy of excess, anxiety, consumption, and stress in modern Moscow.

Sasha, 2022 by Vladimir Bek

Sasha is forced to move to her father whom she barely knows. Neither of them is happy about it. As a protest against the decision made for her by adults, Sasha shaves her head and runs away from home.

This is an excellent work at representing how femininity and masculinity unfold in the lives of Russian young adults

Outlaw 2019, by Ksenia Ratushnay

Viewers are invited to see two queer storylines: transgender Nina and Soviet soldier, and Nikita and rebellious outlaw. 

“Orgies, ritual murders, partying, and forbidden love. Provocative drama in neon tones”

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