Meet Pussy Riot, the feminist punk collective that’s openly challenging the Russian Orthodox Church and President Vladimir Putin. They became infamous for invading the altar of St. Christ Church in Moscow and shocking worshippers with a raunchy song about a sexual coupling between Putin and the church. The state’s response was swift and brutal. Three members of the collective were sentenced to three years in a penal colony. Such harsh punishment for a little disorderly conduct served as a clear demonstration of the church’s influence on the state and the state’s influence on the judiciary and brought Pussy Riot global attention. Filmmakers Mike Lerner and Maxim Pozdorovkin’s documentary goes deep into Pussy Riot’s guiding principles and comes up with a perfect marriage of content and style. Merrie Whitmore, Hot Docs
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Winner—Special Jury Prize, World Cinema: Documentary, Sundance 2013
"Absolutely essential viewing." – Toronto Film Scene
