The Children of Leningradsky (2005)

“Nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Documentary, Short Subject, this 35-minute documentary, takes an unblinking look at the reality of homeless children living in Russia today – in particular the ones who call the underground Leningradsky train station in Moscow home. Utilizing verité footage of over a dozen children who speak candidly about their lives, routines and lost dreams, the film captures the sobering reality of post-Soviet Russia, as kids are left behind, get booted out of their homes, turn into prostitutes, are abused, and run away. Though it has been making efforts to overcome this dire situation, the Russian system has yet to completely control it, as many young children (ages 8-16) continue to be swept into the abyss.”