Stories East of the River

Stories East of the River is an intimate journey into the lives of the new generation growing up and negotiating their way in the little known and unrecognised country of Transdniester, the breakaway territory of Moldova in Eastern Europe. Due to ethnic tensions and political differences Transdniester announced its secession from Moldova in September 1990. After a short and violent civil war Transdniester has been governed defacto for 21 years by the self-elected PMR [Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic] but still remains unrecognised by the international community. The first generation to grow-up within the political disharmony of the separatist state are deeply proud to be Russian but are starting to question the tiny republic’s success and the implications on their own futures. International trade is restricted; jobs and opportunities are limited and on-going difficulties with obtaining expensive visas, limits economic migration. Some of the teenagers involved in the series claim that the Government has profited greatly in the twilight of disputed sovereignty, lining their pockets and keeping its people on the margins - the average wage is $130/£80 per month. Within the country’s isolated confines the decayed splendour of the Soviet Union’s utopian dream still hangs in the air, making the youth of Transdniester become something of a jilted generation, let down by socialist dreams. Evidenced by the crumbling architecture of deserted and disused cultural institutes, with little on offer in a place supposed to be called home, many look afar. Access to the Internet feeds desires to move away or emulate aspects of western living, but lack of vibrant and modern alternatives locally, reduces such to idealism, as the uncertainty of Transdniester’s future, continues their waiting game for change.