Fast-moving impression of the turbulent rise and fall of Russian TV channel Dozhd. The name means “rain” because its creator—the champagne-loving socialite Natalia Sindeeva—associates rain with freedom. Former business partner Vera Krichevskaya guides us through the story of Natasha and her wealthy husband Sasha. Through archive footage and interviews, we see the fairytale beginning, when Natasha saw her dream of an “optimistic channel” come true. But we also see how the state, under Vladimir Putin’s leadership, each year further tightens the thumbscrews on the free-spirited broadcaster.

Director:Vera Krichevskaya

Duration: 104 minutes