Inside Rural Russia: When Military and Patriotism Are Your Life (2023)
The documentary Inside Rural Russia: When Military and Patriotism Are Your Life provides a revealing glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in the provincial town of Yelnya, Russia. Filmed over three years, the film sheds light on the intersection of Soviet nostalgia, economic struggles, and unwavering patriotism.
- Yelnya’s Heroic Past and Present Challenges:
- Yelnya, once a thriving Soviet town, now grapples with economic marginalization. The collapse of the Soviet Union left scars, but the people have regained a sense of pride.
- Fallen soldiers are revered, and their memory fuels the town’s unwavering patriotism. The Kremlin’s aggressive anti-Western propaganda finds fertile ground here, leading to the militarization of society from kindergarten to pension age.
- The Propaganda Parrot:
- The documentary follows a young girl named Masha. She parrots the propaganda with conviction, but glimpses of her true feelings reveal a heartbreaking conflict.
- Yelnyans admire Vladimir Putin for making Russia great again. They believe he restores glory and power to the nation. The constant propaganda claims that fascism threatens from the US and Europe, and Russia must stand ready to defend itself.
- The Eerie Militarization:
- Yelnya’s streets echo with military drills, and children play war games. The eerie, all-encompassing militarization seeps into daily life.
- Few object to the narrative that Russia faces external threats. The town stands ready, fueled by a mix of genuine pride and manipulated fear.
- The Balancing Act:
- Rural Russians grapple with the paradox of patriotism and challenges. They value military service but face job prospects and financial struggles.
- President Putin symbolizes hope for a better future, even as the town remains economically vulnerable.
In this microcosm of rural Russia, the collision of history, propaganda, and personal struggles paints a complex portrait. Yelnya’s story reflects broader themes of nationalism, sacrifice, and resilience in a changing world.
