The Summer is the latest film by Kirill Serebrennikov, one of the most highly regarded Russian film and theatre directors. Inspired by real events and full of positive energy, the picture is a tale of freedom and revolution, whose fire is kindled by rock music.

Summer of 1981. Leningrad resonates with rock music thanks to LPs by David Bowie, Blondie, Lou Reed, T-Rex and Sex Pistols smuggled from the West. Mike is the star of the underground music scene and the king of a rock club, where young people are told to listen to concerts while seated and in complete silence. They can only let off steam behind the closed doors during private performances. Victor is only a beginner, but he’s got talent, an eye-catching beauty and writes great lyrics. The two will be connected not only by the love for music, but also thanks to Natasha, Mike’s beautiful and smart wife. The story of the triangle is at the centre of The Summer: a black and white (with sudden outbursts of colour) film about blooming love and artistic life. 

Serebrennikov’s film is inspired by real-life stories of the leaders of Leningrad-based groups: Mike Naumenko (Zoopark) and Viktor Tsoi (Kino).

The Summer had its world premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival. However, the director was not allowed to participate in the event, as during the filming he was detained by the Russian authorities and put under house arrest. Despite such serious difficulties, the film was completed, but the political and widely reported trial against the director shocked the world.