Alexei Sukhovey presents a documentary series that follows the real stories of former students from a residential correctional school as they step into adulthood. The project, titled Orphans, will debut on Premier online cinema.
The premiere of the series, produced by 1-2-3 Production, is scheduled for February 27. The creators wanted to shed light on what happens after youths leave the institution. They question how a system that carries the weight of state care can fail to equip young people with the survival skills they need. How to become independent, how to navigate adult life, how to build healthy relationships, and how to stand up for one’s rights—these are the central concerns the film raises and explores.
The cast includes Nina, Sasha, Lesha, Ira, Olya, and Artem. After completing their time at the boarding correctional school, they secure apartments in New Moscow and begin facing the challenges of fate together, learning to cope with loneliness, financial responsibility, and personal growth while seeking a sense of belonging.
Orphans has earned recognition on the international stage, receiving the best documentary award at the International Film Festival Message to Human in the National Competition. The accolade underscores the film’s impact and the relevance of its subject matter on audiences around the world.
Earlier, it was noted that the TV series Madhouse, which centers on reluctant neighbors, has also found an audience online. The momentum behind these projects illustrates a growing interest in in-depth explorations of life after institutional care and the social dynamics surrounding it.