A group of psychologists in Moscow maintain an anonymous hotline providing psychological support following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. For the purposes of her second feature film, Russian filmmaker Lena Karbe returns to her homeland after 15 years in Germany and turns her focus to the often minimized, burdensome work of mental health professionals. How does Russian society perceive the invasion, and why does it not react? What is the impact of government propaganda on the masses? What happens when the patient holds completely different views from the therapist, for example, when they are in favor of war, or seek guidance on issues that are illegal in Russia, such as LGBTQI matters? What does “neutrality” mean, where should the boundaries be drawn, and how does each professional set them whilst striving to protect their professional integrity, personal safety, and psyche?
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Directed by
Lena Karbe