Allein in vier Wänden

They are not yet 15 and are stuck behind walls and wires. In a Russian reform school, 120 children are taught obedience. They are all young delinquents, sentenced for theft, rape or murder. More than 90% of them will return to crime after completing their sentence, partly because they just can’t survive without a criminal career in a society that offers them no chances. Against this background, the prison unwillingly becomes a strange safe haven, free of the everyday battle to get enough money and food. Here they are fed and clothed. They go to school and take part in sport. They can be children just a while. Yet they have no prospect of a normal childhood.
Alone in four Walls films several of these children from very close by. Lyosha has just arrived. He hasn’t had time to say goodbye to his mother. She won’t see her son two years. Tolya, a murderer, is about to be released. But returning to where he came from is not a realistic option. He is sure to be murdered himself.
The kids briefly acquire a face, a name, a story. They stand for many other children.