<p><strong>“A talented man is on a downward path until he hits rock bottom. That happens pretty often. And not just because of drugs. There are a lot of temptations all around.” - filmmaker Aleksey Balabanov </strong></p>

<p>Russia, 1917. The revolution is spreading out of the cities and into the countryside. To a frozen Siberian village comes a talented young doctor, keen to practise his craft for the townspeople. Inexprienced but fast on his feet, he learns quickly - until a single shot of morphine begins to unravel his life.</p>

<p>Taking the reins from director Sergei Bodrov Jr (who drafted the screenplay to <em>Morphia</em> but died tragically before he could start filming), Alexei Balabanov (<em>Cargo 200</em>, MIFF 08) brings his own dark touch to create a brilliantly atmospheric tale of love, drugs and politics.</p>

<p>Features one of the best endings of the Festival.</p>

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