Of Freaks and Men (Pro Urodov i Liudei, 1998, 89 minutes). Dir. Aleksey Balabanov

 In Russian with English subtitles.

Film starts at 16:30

Of Freaks and Men is shot in what The Guardian describes as 'glorious sepia' and inspired by erotic postcards from the late 1800s – early 1900s. It exposes the corruption and hypocrisy of St Petersburg at the same period, as houses are inflitrated with filth, and innocents are sold into pornography. But what counts as innocence?

We centre on two families and their decline at the hands of one man, Johann, and his pornographic endeavours. Hailed by some as a masterpiece, the movie comments on the decline of Russian society as a result of the rise of capitalism.

The screening is free, but booking is essential. Email office@pushkinhouse.org.uk to reserve your space.