Film Lens
The documentary examines the cultural significance of fur in Russia and the changing attitudes towards it. It begins with a personal narrative from the narrator, who reflects on their childhood in northern Russia, wearing fur garments like a hat made from arctic fox and a coat from lambskin. The film discusses how fur has been a symbol of status and warmth, particularly in harsh climates, and shows the ongoing demand for fur in Russia despite a global trend towards banning it. It features insights from Anna Lebsak-Kleimans, who explains the deep-rooted cultural patterns that influence fur's popularity in Russian society.
The film also addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the fur industry, particularly in Denmark, which was once a leading producer of mink. It notes that Denmark has decided to eliminate its entire population of farmed minks due to health concerns. The documentary presents a contrast between the declining fur industry in some parts of the world and the continued high demand for fur in Russia, where 400,000 fur coats are sold annually, making it the second-largest fur market globally after China.
Why Watch
- •Find out why fur is still a status symbol in Russia.
- •See how COVID-19 changed the fur industry in Denmark.
- •Meet Anna Lebsak-Kleimans, a fashion expert on Russian trends.
Did You Know
•Denmark announced it will eliminate its entire population of farmed minks.
•In 2019, there were 56 million mink skins produced globally.
•Russia sells 400,000 fur coats every year, making it the second-largest market.
Perfect For
Fashion enthusiastsAnimal rights advocatesCultural history buffs