By the early 2000s, Vitaly Mansky was an official videographer for the Russian government. Following the surprise resignation of Boris Yeltsin on the evening of December 31, 1999, Mansky was commissioned to film the presidential campaign through a portrait of young interim President Vladimir Putin, still unknown from the public. Benefitting from an access that would be unthinkable in our era, the filmmaker shot hours of material with the future Head of State, never hesitating to confront him on many issues.

Nearly twenty years later, Mansky is rediscovering his images in order to criticize them. Was he an involuntary accomplice to Putin? Was it possible then to foresee the rise of the soon-to-become political monster? Clearly assuming his role in history, the director offers a reflexion on collective responsibility towards the political system and a rare insight of the first steps of creation of one of the most powerful politicians of the 21st century.

”Not only was I a witness, but I also participated in this operation that placed Vladimir Putin on the “throne” of Moscow. My testimony is important not only to heal Russian society’s advanced illness, it is also crucial for other countries so that they can avoid the loss of their liberties.” - Vitaly Mansky