Russia’s villages are dying—like Vjazhi, 350 kilometers southwest of Moscow. Once a bustling community, only about 200 people live here today, mostly the elderly. The young people have moved away. But there are signs of a new beginning. With government support, young professionals are returning: Dr. Yulia Lyutikova has settled in Vyazhi and provides medical care for the village. In neighboring Odinok, too, a dedicated village doctor, Anastasia Sveshnikova, is working. Yet fear is ever-present, as the region lies in the border area with Ukraine. In our documentary, we offer rare insights into everyday life in the Russian province—a place where time seems to have stood still, yet the present is ever so close.

WRITER & DIRECTOR: Jo Angerer, Erika Haas   CAMERA: Egor Khoval   EDITOR: Tim Greiner   SOUND: tba   NARRATOR: tba                 COMMISSIONING EDITOR: Frederic Ulferts (ZDF)