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Deep Dive: Soviet Friendsbook (2020)

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Soviet Friendsbook
Soviet Friendsbook presents a nostalgic look at a unique social phenomenon from the Soviet era, where friendsbooks served as personal diaries for children. These books, known as Forms, were often filled out by classmates, primarily girls, who shared their thoughts on love, future aspirations, and favorite foods. The film follows Alyona Surzhikova as she revisits her 6th grade friendsbook twenty-five years later, prompting her to reconnect with former classmates across Russia, Germany, and Cambodia. Through her travels, Surzhikova gathers insights into the lives of her peers, many of whom have relocated abroad. The film examines their experiences and reflections on Estonia, the country they grew up in, and the dreams they once had. With half of Surzhikova's classmates now living outside Estonia, the documentary raises questions about identity, belonging, and the impact of historical changes on personal aspirations.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Alyona Surzhikova and her childhood friends.
  • •Find out what dreams came true for Russian kids.
  • •See how Estonia's independence shaped personal stories.

Did You Know

•Alyona Surzhikova browses her 6th grade friendsbook 25 years later.
•Half of Surzhikova's classmates now live abroad.
•The friendsbook was commonly filled out by girls during Soviet times.

Perfect For

Soviet history enthusiastsNostalgia for the 1990sCultural identity exploration