The Waltz on the Petschora (1992): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1992, The Waltz on the Petschora is a drama and history film directed by Lana Goghoberidze, running about 102 minutes. “A film like a lament, without emphasis, painful and moving, a signal from the East that has not yet submitted to the political and aesthetic will of the West” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Set in 1937 Stalinist Georgia, the film traces the parallel destinies of a mother, condemned by the government as "an enemy of the people" and exiled to a work camp in Siberia, and her daughter, who meanwhile is sent to an orphanage. Arriving at the overcrowded work camp, the mother and other women who are not considered strong enough to be labourers, must journey still farther, crossing the icy Siberian landscape in search of food and shelter. At the same time, the daughter escapes the orphanage and returns to her former home, where she finds that a KGB officer has taken up residence. He protects her and an uneasy rapport between them develops—one of abhorrence and attraction, need and suspicion.

Who’s in it. The Waltz on the Petschora stars Guram Pirtskhalava, Nino Surguladze as Anna, Marika Chichinadze and Irina Kupchenko, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 2.5/10, The Waltz on the Petschora has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Waltz on the Petschora page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Waltz on the Petschora tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.