Stand

I was fortunate to be at the premier of the movie at the Castro theater in San Francisco, CA. The film impressed me by how it captured not just the situation regarding LGBTQ issues in Russia but also the Russian mentality. Being from Russia, I felt like it was easier for me to understand some of the details and realities presented in the film. I found myself explaining some things to Americans around me. Although hard to watch, it is well worth it. The story is well written with some important details that explain some of the cultural specifics. It does require careful watching and paying attention. This is not a light movie. The main characters of Anton and Vlad are well acted. Although they represent two different positions, different ways of living and dealing with issues, I could relate to and empathize with both. The movie is complex, heart-breaking, and thought-provoking. I hope this movie can reach a wide audience.