How to Save a Dead Friend

This documentary is a deeply personal and raw exploration of a turbulent adolescence and young adulthood. Directed by Marusya Syroechkovskaya, it chronicles her complex relationship with her mother and her close bond with her best friend, Katia. The film delves into their shared experiences with drug use, dreams of escape, and the struggles they faced navigating life in Russia.

How to Save a Dead Friend has been lauded for its unflinching honesty and intimate portrayal of youth, addiction, and the search for connection. Critics have praised Syroechkovskaya's bold directorial choices in using personal footage to create a powerful narrative that resonates with themes of loss and resilience. It's seen as a significant voice in contemporary documentary filmmaking.

• Praised for its courageous and intimate storytelling.

• Highlights the director's unflinching honesty about difficult subject matter.

• Recognized for its powerful emotional impact and cinematic vision.

Google audience: Audiences have found the film to be an emotionally devastating yet ultimately profound viewing experience. Many users commend the director's bravery in sharing such personal struggles and appreciate the raw, authentic portrayal of friendship and coping mechanisms.

World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award at Sundance Film Festival 2023.

The film is comprised of over a decade's worth of personal footage shot by director Marusya Syroechkovskaya herself, capturing her life from her teenage years into her early twenties.