Sotsgorod: Cities for Utopia

After the revolution of 1917 the Russian authorities wanted to start developing the agriculture and industry of the new socialist state as soon as possible. Conse quently, in the twenties western architects were enlisted to design the so-called 'sotsgorods', the new cities. These architects came to the Soviet Union burning with enthusiasm, ready to make their contribution to the ideal socialist state. In this film some of these pioneers are interviewed, among whom Dutchman Jan Rutgers. By means of pictures, letters and designs, a picture is drawn of the harsh conditions these people had to work in. Apart from this stories, based on facts and eyewitness accounts, the film gives an idea of the everyday lives of the present inhabitants of the 'sotsgorods'. (International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam)