Exploring Exile: The Impact of War in "A Russian Winter"

Patric Chiha's documentary "A Russian Winter" ("Un Hiver Russe") premiered on February 17, 2026, at the Berlin Film Festival's Panorama section. The film explores the experiences of approximately 900,000 Russians who fled their country to escape imprisonment or military conscription amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Through the lens of two artist friends, Margarita and Yuri, the documentary captures their reflections on the existential crises stemming from their exile.

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The documentary is set against the backdrop of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, following years of escalating tensions since 2014. Chiha emphasizes that the film's focus on the personal stories of exiles serves to illuminate a larger narrative about the fragility of peace in Western societies. He notes that the plight of these individuals reflects a universal struggle against the rise of extreme regimes globally.

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Patric Chiha, the writer-director of "A Russian Winter," collaborates with producer Katia Khazak, who has a long-standing partnership with him spanning two decades. The film received support from various organizations, including Le Fresnoy – Studio national des arts contemporains, the French national cinema body CNC, and Région Île-de-France. International sales are managed by Brussels-based Best Friend Forever, with distributors Léopard Films in France and Filmgarten in Austria already secured for theatrical releases.

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The film aims to resonate with audiences beyond the Russian context, addressing feelings of powerlessness in the face of oppressive regimes. Chiha articulates a sentiment prevalent in many societies, particularly in the U.S., where citizens may feel that protests and demonstrations have little impact on systemic issues. The film's visual elements, including effects that alter the colors of Parisian buildings, serve to enhance its thematic depth and maintain viewer engagement.

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Katia Khazak remarked on the film's intention to reflect the experiences of various countries grappling with authoritarianism, aiming for a universal appeal. Chiha expressed his belief that "A Russian Winter" speaks to a collective sense of helplessness, stating, “What can we do? What is this feeling of powerlessness? So I think this is a film about all of us.”

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• “The day I watched the news in September 2022, there were images of young men crossing the Georgian border, fleeing on foot, by bicycle, by car,” — Patric Chiha, Writer-Director

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• “The idea [with “Winter”] is to speak about what a lot of countries are going through right now where extreme regimes are rising,” Khazak says.” — Katia Khazak, Producer

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• “In France, we demonstrate a lot. But in the last three years, I’ve had such a big feeling that this doesn’t change anything anymore,” — Patric Chiha, Writer-Director

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While the documentary focuses on the experiences of Russian exiles, it does not delve into the perspectives of those remaining in Ukraine or the broader implications of the war on Ukrainian citizens. This omission raises questions about the completeness of the narrative surrounding the conflict.

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In summary, "A Russian Winter" serves as a poignant exploration of the human cost of war, reflecting on themes of exile, powerlessness, and the universal struggle against oppressive regimes.

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