This documentary explores the legacy of the Soviet Union’s collapse through the eyes of those who witnessed it firsthand. It takes the viewer on a journey through the decisive years that followed, revealing how the hopes of independence and freedom were eventually shattered by poverty and war. Told through the eyes of contemporary witnesses and politicians, this gripping account shows how the collapse of the Soviet Union was both a geopolitical catastrophe and a personal tragedy for many.
The film also examines the path Russian foreign policy has taken since the collapse of the Soviet Union, tracing the rise of Vladimir Putin and the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. With Putin now firmly entrenched as the leader of Russia, this documentary provides an unflinching look at the country’s past, present and future. Through interviews with those who were there, it reveals how the hopes of the Soviet era have given way to a more authoritarian system, and asks whether Russia can ever truly leave its past behind.
