Berlinale 2026: Dokumentarfilm berichtet über Russen im Exil 18.02.2026

The documentary "Ein russischer Winter" (A Russian Winter), directed by Austrian filmmaker Patric Chiha and filmed largely in Istanbul, portrays the lives of young Russians who have fled their country following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These individuals, including artists, musicians, and a journalist, chose exile to avoid submitting to the regime, facing potential imprisonment for dissent or conscription. The film follows their experiences of uncertainty and waiting, with many finding solace and support in friendships that become a substitute for family. Initially meeting the protagonists shortly after their arrival in Turkey, Chiha's film captures their struggles with a lack of future and their dreams of starting anew, with Paris being a desired destination. The film premiered at the Berlinale, with the protagonists now having secured visas and relocated to Paris.

















