Meanwhile in Russia
Synopsis
850 McDonald's locations in Russia were replaced by a new brand called Vushka after the fast food giant exited the country following the Ukraine invasion.
Synopsis
Maja, a 28-year-old blogger, continues to use Instagram despite the Kremlin's classification of the platform as a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, in Moscow, a former McDonald's location has transformed into Vushka, a fast-food restaurant that retains the original's equipment and menu. The film follows a volunteer helping Ukrainians escape to Estonia, where border guards scrutinize their mobile phones. The documentary captures the daily realities of life in Russia amid changing social and economic conditions following the invasion of Ukraine.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See how Vushka replicates McDonald's menu and atmosphere.
- Meet Maja, a blogger defying social media bans.
- Find out how border crossings are managed for Ukrainians.
- Discover the impact of war on everyday life in Russia.
Did You Know
- McDonald's owned 850 locations in Russia before exiting after the Ukraine invasion.
- The first McDonald's in Russia opened in the 1990s on Pushkin Skaya.
- The new brand Vushka opened its first 12 locations in June 2024.
- Ukrainians face strict checks at the Russian border, including phone inspections.
- The Kremlin has classified Instagram as a terrorist organization.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new name of the former McDonald's in Russia?
The former McDonald's in Russia is now called Vushka.
How many McDonald's locations were there in Russia before the chain pulled out?
McDonald's owned 850 eateries in Russia before pulling out.
What has happened to Instagram in Russia?
Instagram has been classified as a terrorist organization by the Kremlin and has disappeared from Russian life.
What are people saying?
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