School of Seduction – Three Stories from Russia

Each of these 30-something Russian women is desperately seeking a better life. Lida, who is dating a married man, hates living with her mum. Vika is riddled with anxiety about her situation. A lonely single mother, Diana, wants a relationship – but the guy must have money. A sleazy middle-aged man runs the workshop; “what a nightmare,” says one pupil, as he hip-grinds with the class. Rudnitskaya follows the women for seven years as they chase their dreams of success. In a society where money and prestige are everything, it's not surprising that happiness means designer clothes and a nice apartment. This absorbing documentary delivers outrage and comedy, while providing a sharp insight into the gender gap in 21st century Russia.