Synopsis
How does art survive in a time of oppression? During the Soviet rule artists, who stay true to their vision, are executed, sent to mental hospitals or Gulags. Their plight inspires young Igor Savitsky. He pretends to buy state-approved art but instead daringly rescues 40,000 forbidden fellow artist’s works and creates a museum in the desert of Uzbekistan, far from the watchful eyes of the KGB. The film takes us on a dramatic journey of sacrifice for the sake of creative freedom. Today these paintings are worth millions - a lucrative target for Islamic fundamentalists, corrupt bureaucrats and art profiteers. The collection remains as endangered as when Savitsky first created it, posing the question whose responsibility is it to preserve this cultural treasure.