Film Lens
Mad Mimes is an anthropological study of a cargo cult in a self-marginalized commune near the Moscow Ring Road. This highway serves as a vital source of resources for the inhabitants, who rely on the unpredictable nature of roadside trash. The film examines how this community adapts to their precarious existence, forming a unique cargo cult centered around the road that delineates the boundaries of the Russian capital.
The documentary captures the intricate dynamics of survival in this commune, reflecting their dependence on external circumstances. Through the lens of visual anthropology, it presents the mimetic practices of the community, drawing inspiration from Jean Rouch’s ethno-fictions, as noted by director Petr Laden. The film runs for 30 minutes and features a cast including Nina Davydova and Arseny Zhilyaev.
Why Watch
- •Meet the unique cargo cult by the Moscow Ring Road
- •See how roadside trash sustains a community
- •Find out about mimetic practices in a self-marginalized commune
Did You Know
•The film was released in 2012 and has a duration of 30 minutes.
•The commune is located near the Moscow Ring Road, which marks the boundaries of Moscow.
•The film features a cast that includes five individuals, such as Nina Davydova and Arseny Zhilyaev.
•The documentary is produced in Russia and is available in Russian and a fictional language.
Perfect For
Visual anthropologyRussian unofficial artCargo cult studies