Soviet 'Ostern' White Sun of the Desert Gets First U.S. Blu-ray Release

Restored by Mosfilm, Vladimir Motyl's 1970 film 'Ostern' White Sun of the Desert, a surreal action-comedy set against the backdrop of the Russian Civil War, will make its U.S. Blu-ray debut through Deaf Crocodile in collaboration with Seagull Films. The narrative centers on Red Army soldier Fyodor Sukhov, portrayed by Anatoliy Kuznetsov, as he journeys through Turkmenistan to protect a harem of Muslim women from Basmachi guerrillas led by Abdullah, played by Kakhi Kavsadze. Co-written by Valentin Yezhov and Rustam Ibragimbekov, the film draws inspiration from Hollywood and Italian westerns, including Rio Bravo and Django. Known for its ironic tone, it features minimal action and feminist themes. The runtime is 84 minutes (1h23m), presented in Russian with English subtitles.