Do Not August, 1991

About This Movie

So, 'Do Not August, 1991' is this fascinating documentary shot during the heat of the August coup in Leningrad. Frolov employs a hand-held camera style that just pulls you right into the chaos. It’s raw, almost visceral, and there’s something really compelling about the way it captures the uncertainty of that moment in history. The pacing feels almost frantic at times, reflecting the atmosphere of the coup itself. You see the streets filled with people, the tension palpable. It’s distinct in how it avoids traditional documentary polish, opting instead for an intimate feel. It reminds me of how von Trier later dabbled in that handheld aesthetic, but Frolov really makes it his own with a sharp focus on the everyday struggle and the weight of the moment.

Shot during the August coup in Leningrad · Hand-held camera style adds intimacy · Focus on everyday struggle and chaos