Watch Miss Gulag

Miss Gulag is a documentary film released in 2007 that follows the journey of several women competing in the Miss Gulag beauty pageant. The pageant takes place in a reformatory for female prisoners in Siberia, Russia. The film is directed by Maria Yatskova and Irina Vodar, and stars Tatiana Dasayeva, Maria Ibrahimova, and Natalia Khapova.

The film opens with the introduction of the women who are participating in the Miss Gulag pageant. Most of the women come from troubled backgrounds and have faced a range of challenges in their lives. As they prepare for the pageant, their stories are explored in the form of interviews.

The documentary captures the various events leading up to the day of the pageant, including the rehearsals, makeup tutorials, and outfit fittings. The filmmakers also document the daily routines of the prisoners, as they go about their usual activities, like cooking meals and working in the prison yard.

The day of the pageant finally arrives, and the entire prison population gathers to watch the show. The contestants walk down the runway in various outfits, from casual wear to evening gowns. They also have to participate in a talent show, where they showcase their skills in singing, dancing, and poetry.

The judges of the pageant include a prison warden and several outside fashion experts. As the winners are announced, the film showcases the reactions of the contestants, who are visibly emotional and happy.

Throughout the film, the women's stories are highlighted, as they talk about the difficulties they've faced in their lives, and what led them to be incarcerated. Many of the women have been victims of domestic violence, while others have been convicted of crimes they didn't commit.

The film also sheds light on the harsh realities of life inside a women's prison in Russia. The women are shown living in cramped quarters, with little or no privacy. They are also subjected to strict rules and regulations, including being monitored at all times while in the prison.

Miss Gulag is a poignant and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on the struggles of female prisoners in Russia. It highlights the power of beauty, and how it can provide hope and a sense of purpose in even the most challenging of circumstances. The film is a testament to the resilience and strength of women, and their ability to find beauty and hope in the most unexpected of places.

Overall, Miss Gulag is a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities of life behind bars, and the power of human resilience in the face of adversity. The film is a moving portrayal of the struggles of women in a system that doesn't always recognize them as human beings. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of treating all people with dignity and compassion, regardless of their circumstances.

Miss Gulag is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.