Cold Fear: Gay Life In Russia

Abstract

A hauntingly beautiful and powerful documentary that travels to the dark heart of Russia and gives an insight into the reality of life – particularly gay life – that’s in stark contrast to the glitz of the Sochi winter Olympics. The programme tells how there’s fear on all sides, with many Russians equating gay behaviour with semi-demonic practices. They believe homosexuality is a lifestyle choice and see it as a direct attack on family values, even as a poison that is corrupting society and weakening Russia. On the other side, many gay Russians live in fear of direct intimidation, persecution and violence – and even murder. This film gives ordinary Russians a voice as it exposes a world of widespread repression and extreme violence: a world of cold fear.