Boris Ryzhij (1974-2001) was a young Russian poet who received some acclaim in his native country. While the country had to reorient itself after the end of communism and many Russians either became criminals or bodyguards, Ryzhij captured this conflicted generation's upheaval in words. In the 2009 film, Aliona van der Horst asks why this passionate life had to end at age 26.

Translation: Elinor Lewy