Directed by Alexander Abaturov • Documentary • 2013 • 50 minutes
Atchinsk is a Siberian town 2500 miles away from Moscow where Soviet dissidents and, before them, the Tsar's opponents were deported. It's pre-election season, and the small, sleepy town is abuzz with the voices of regime supporters and paid activists working for Putin. Iouri, a political hireling working for Putin's party explains the inner mechanics of the system over glass of vodka. But it's a cold winter and Atchinsk residents are not keen on talking politics, especially about the present campaign.
SLEEPING SOULS portrays rural Russia, affected by government propaganda. Somehow, democratic life in this town appears to be a theatre.
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