Lutikov travels the Siberian countryside with his 35mm camera taking passport photos of the villagers, who must replace their old Soviet passports with Russian ones. This is a robustly observed character study of many, many characters and one country at the crossroads of big change. The black and white film radiates a vitality and richness belied by the economic state of things and the advancing years of many of the subjects.

Lutikov's unflagging humor, mastery of the art of small talk (with a piquant penchant for comments leaning toward the lewd), and meticulous if quirky ministrations to his subjects before taking their photos add a light touch to what might otherwise seem a bleak prospect. Armed with a bed sheet, pocket comb, and extra jacket, Lutikov makes sure that all the men are appropriately attired and the women properly coiffed for their photos—after all, it is their passport for life, yes?  WFM