
Countries: Kazakhstan | Russia | Poland | Israel
A harrowing chapter of ethnic persecution in postwar Soviet years told through the nostalgic memories of a child. Uprooted by Stalin's regime, a train-full of ethnic minorities are deported to Central Asia under dreadful conditions. During a stopover, a Jewish boy, Sashka, is found in a rail car filled with dead bodies. Rescued by a Muslim rail worker, he is cared for by a surrogate family in rural Kazakhstan, yet dreams of finding his exiled parents. Contemporary scenes from Sashka's spiritual homeland of Jerusalem intercut with memories of his homelife and pet goat, create rich symbolism for the film's shattering conclusion. Gorgeous panoramas of the vast Kazakhstan Steppe (grassland region) dazzle the eyes, as Sashka's story touches the heart.
Plays with: Battle of Cable Street.