SGS Summer Film Festival: Stilyagi (Hipsters)

While the Cold War heats up on the world stage, rebellious youth in 1955 Moscow wage a cultural battle against dismal Soviet conformity, donning brightly colored black-market clothing, adopting American nicknames and reveling in forbidden jazz in this musical comedy-drama. The central premise deals with a star-crossed romance between two lovers on opposite sides: Mels is a pro-communist Komsomol (communist youth) activist, Polly is a sexy, uninhibited, free-spirited member of the Stilyagi, the Soviet hipster subculture. They fall instantly in love despite their differences, and Polly introduces her new love to the many pleasures of the West. Directed by Valery Todorovsky, Russia (2008).

Q&A to follow with with Kate Kuhns, Executive Director of Stanford Global Studies.

This film is part of the annual SGS Summer Film Festival running from July 13th to September 7th. This year's festival features nine films from around that world that focus on the theme of “Youth Culture in Global Cinema.” For more information on the film festival, please visit SGS Summer 2016 Film Festival.