Garagenvolk

In the harsh north of Russia, where winter is seemingly endless and industrial clouds cover the fresh snow, a fascinating phenomenon is unfolding: the garage settlements. These tin huts, often dismissed as inconspicuous sheds, serve as creative escapes for many Russians. Beyond any social conventions, individual paradises come to life in these cramped spaces. In GARAGE PEOPLE, documentary filmmaker Natalija Yefimkina delves into this hidden world and reveals a society that is reinventing itself in its garages. Here, scrap metal becomes art, confined spaces become free space. Viktor, an elderly gentleman, has spent decades excavating four additional levels under his garage. He says it's the activity that keeps him alive - an impressive metaphor for the deep human need for purpose and belonging. GARAGE PEOPLE won the 2020 Werner Herzog Prize for its authentic portrayal and profound humanity. The film not only provides insights into the soulscape of its protagonists, but also sheds light on a society caught between post-Soviet melancholy and the search for personal freedom.