The Children of Leningradsky / Dzieci z Leningradzkiego

Hanna Polak& Andrzej Celinski / Poland / 2006 / 50 min.

Death sometimes crosses the paths of the children of Leningradsky, directly and indirectly. One group of kids explains how they were badgered for 48 hours by police after another child was murdered, even though they weren't anywhere near the crime scene. In another, far more emotional scene, a group of homeless children wail at the funeral of a pretty 14-year-old girl. Neverless, Misha, the boy who was discarded by his father, remains optimistic: "God believes in people and helps them. He loves everyone, even bad people, not just Russians. He even loves Chechnyans. But most of all, He loves children." The film has helped focus attention on this matter; since it was made, Russian authorities have stepped up their efforts to reduce homelessness in Moscow, though it's still a serious problem in other cities.



Awards
Oscar: Nonimated Acamdemy Awards Best Documentary Short Subject
Ida: Nonimated Acamdemy Awards Best Documentary Short Subject


Screenings



Category
Human right Film


Production Company
Hanna Polak