ROMB is an independent Russian documentary outlet producing short and feature-length films about life inside Russia. Founded in 2017, we work with a trusted network of journalists on the ground to document what state media suppresses: human rights, the social consequences of the war, civic activism, the militarisation of society. As Russia closes itself off from outside scrutiny, our nationwide reach and uninterrupted production record give us access to subjects and locations that outside crews cannot replicate.
We work with international and Russian production and distribution partners to reach diverse audiences. Our co-production with Evan Williams Productions for Channel 4, Hunting Russia’s Lost Boys, was broadcast in the UK in November 2023 as part of the renowned Dispatches series and is now available on international streaming platforms. The film was shortlisted for the Rory Peck Award 2024.
Our Work
Denounced: Inside Russia’s School Crackdowns
Through personal stories, this film follows teachers and students who were reported to authorities in Russian schools and universities for expressing anti-war views. They speak about the repression they faced, the impact of these denunciations, and how they continue to live and move forward afterward.
Grave Hunter
In Krasnodar, a military pensioner discovered 1,400 graves of soldiers killed in Ukraine. According to media estimates, he found 45% more burials than accounted for in official publications.
Wagner Among Us
Thousands of Russian prisoners regained their freedom by joining the war in Ukraine and receiving presidential pardons. Through the stories of victims’ families searching for convicted murderers who disappeared into the war, and interviews with two former Wagner fighters, the film explores the consequences of one of wartime Russia’s most controversial policies.
Female circumcision in the Caucasus
An investigation into FGM in Dagestan through conversations with survivors to find out where female circumcision came from in the Caucasus, what it has to do with Islam and why numerous victims keep quiet.
The lives of HIV-positive teenagers in Russia
Children with HIV in Russia are stigmatised, denied medical care and neglected by the state. This film shows how they fight for their lives and their rights, and how they find support and hope.
Detained for an Instagram Story
19-year-old Olesya was reported to the police by her classmates for social media posts she shared about the bombing of the Crimean bridge. She is now under house arrest awaiting trial and a possible sentence of 10.5 years in prison.
The mistreatment of women in mental health institutions
Women in institutions that are supposed to support them through mental illness are routinely pressured into abortions, kept from their families and forced to live in prison-like conditions.
Life as a trans woman in Russia
Eva and Vika lead very different lives, but what unites them is a constant fear, distrust of those around them and pressure from the state.
What We Offer
Co-production
Our established network of experienced journalists provide unparalleled access to Russian communities, from the Caucasus to Siberia. Our editorial team’s deep understanding of current issues in Russian society ensures that our projects are topical and well-researched. Combined with our expertise in crafting compelling stories while mitigating the digital, legal and physical security risks associated with independent filmmaking in Russia, ROMB offers an opportunity to producers seeking new frontiers.
Licensing
ROMB has an extensive archive of footage that is available for licensing. From interviews with protagonists to scene-setting B-roll, our library spans the full range of topics and locations covered by ROMB since 2017. For example, SBS Australia licensed footage of interviews with the mothers of conscripted soldiers from Buryatia who died in Ukraine for a documentary about Russia’s invasion.
Contact Us
Get in touch with us for queries about co-production partnerships and footage licensing.