Blatnoi Mir
Blatnoi Mir is a 2001 Finnish documentary film about life-sentenced prisoners in a Russian prison. The film was written and directed by Jouni Hiltunen.
Synopsis
Three life-sentenced prisoners are serving their terms in prison. Andrei Shudarikov has found the Hare Krishna movement. Mikhail Bukharov is deeply depressed and spends his time singing old prison camp songs. Valeri Balin is a former criminal leader and strength athlete who trains daily. He writes nuanced letters to his mother about life and thoughts behind the walls. In addition to their criminal backgrounds, the men are united by their tattooed bodies.Cast
- Valeri Balin
- Andrei Shudarikov
- Mikhail Bukharov
Production
- Screenplay – Jouni Hiltunen
- Director – Jouni Hiltunen
- Cinematography – Tahvo Hirvonen
- Sound recording – Timo Linnasalo, Jouni Hiltunen
- Sound design – Niko Paakkunainen
- Editing – Anne Lakanen
- Color grading – Timo Nousiainen, Marko Terävä
- Producer – Pertti Veijalainen
- Production manager – Aleksander Gutmann
- Production company – Illume Oy
Awards
- Special Mention, Nordisk Panorama, Aarhus, 2001
- Finnish State Film Quality Support, 2002
- Special Prize, Tampere Film Festival, 2002
- Most Courageous Film Award, Infinity Festival Alba, Italy, 2002
- Best Minority Film, Mediawave Festival, Hungary, 2002