Pages

Sunday 21 April 2013

Surviving in the Siberian Wilderness



In 1936, a family of Russian Old Believers journeyed deep into Siberia's vast taiga to escape persecution and protect their way of life. The Lykovs eventually settled in the Sayan Mountains, 160 miles from any other sign of civilization.

In 1944, Agafia Lykov was born into this wilderness. Today, she is the last surviving Lykov, remaining steadfast in her seclusion. In this episode of Far Out, the VICE crew travels to Agafia to learn about her taiga lifestyle and the encroaching influence of the outside world.

I enjoyed this short documentary as far as it goes, but for me it highlighted the limitations of the moving image. Much was obviously omitted from Agafia's life.

2 comments:

James Higham said...

Did one on her some time back - yes, much was omitted as I recall.

A K Haart said...

James - a pity really, because although the hardship comes across well, other aspects don't.