Soviet Barbara, the Story of Ragnar Kjartansson in Moscow

Shortly before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Icelandic art celebrity Ragnar Kjartansson opened an exhibition in Moscow, in an impressive, new art center that is just a stone's throw away from the Kremlin and owned by one of Russia's wealthiest oligarchs. Here, the artist planned to re-stage 100 episodes of the American soap opera Santa Barbara in Russian – one each day. But when Ukraine was attacked, Kjartansson found himself in a moral dilemma, and his dreams of cultural openness shattered.

Through this absorbing documentary’s very specific angle, it brings the entire Russian society and leadership under scrutiny. Although in the remarkably enjoyable company of Ragnar, and dotted with (black) comedic moments, the political critique is stinging.