A Long and Happy Life

Idealistic Sasha left the city for a Russian village on the river, where he bought a small farm. Eager to turn a profit, he hired a group of workers to help with the crops. Unfortunately, his new life becomes threatened when the local government bullies him into selling the land. After some convincing, he hesitantly decides to take the deal. But, after his employees protest the move, he's inspired by their passion for the farm. When Sasha informs the council he's staying put, things begin to unravel. His girlfriend, who happens to work for the government, is unhappy with his decision, putting an intense strain on their relationship. As the pressure builds, many of his workers begin to abandon ship, leaving Sasha alone in his fight against the corrupt bureaucrats. He becomes obsessed as the situation consumes him, leaving him faced with choices he won't be able to reverse. Boris Khlebnikov's A LONG AND HAPPY LIFE is an impassioned tale of a man desperately clinging to his cause, no matter what happens. (In Russian with subtitles) —E.F.