“Peer,” a mockumentary utilizing deepfake technology, is set to premiere in Russian cinemas on June 12th. The film features Yuri Vershinin, Anna Mikhalkova, Alexander Yatsenko, and Daniil Spivakovsky.

The film centers on Grisha, a 20-year-old, who discovers old video cassettes in his grandmother’s apartment and learns about his father’s pioneering internet startup in the 1990s. Inspired, Grisha decides to create a film about his father, connecting with his former colleagues to reconstruct the past.

Director Fyodor Kudryavtsev blends various styles in the mockumentary, including VHS footage, modern shorts, social media content, and deepfakes to portray younger versions of the characters from the 90s. Kudryavtsev aims to showcase the era’s dreamers and innovators.

“Peer” has already garnered recognition at film festivals, receiving awards such as the special jury prize for “Best Debut” at the Window to Europe festival and the prize for “Best Debut in Feature Film” at the Arctic Open festival. Critics have praised the film’s unique approach and thoughtful exploration of a complex decade.