Blatnoi Mir (The World of Thieves) is a 2001 Finnish documentary film about life-sentenced prisoners in a Russian prison. The film was written and directed by Jouni Hiltunen.Blatnoi Mir – The World of Thieves (YLE) Blatnoi Mir – The World of Thieves (Helsingin Sanomat, 9 November 2001)Peter Malone review
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 (Russia) – 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
References
External links
Official website