Directed by Leif Ramsey
When the Soviet Union collapses, an enterprising art teacher imports thousands of Russian paintings to rural Tennessee. After years of collecting, his own mortality comes to the forefront and he must decide how to handle the unknown value and future of his expansion collection.
Watch the Audience Feedback Video:
Project Links
Director Biography – Leif Ramsey
Leif Ramsey is a Tennessee-based director of commercials and owner of Pathfinder Films. With a background in commercial filmmaking and design, he loves finding ways to choreograph picture and sound. He has collaborated on advertising campaigns for the U.S. Navy, Honda, Hilton, Dr Teal’s, Bang & Olufsen and Ford and directed episodes for Outside TV. This is his first time directing an unbranded documentary.
Director Statement
A friend told me about thousands of Russian paintings tucked away in an abandoned school in the countryside of Tennessee. When I met Bob, the owner of the collection, I was hooked. Was this an art heist? My inner Sherlock Holmes kicked in — I had to keep pulling on the story thread and see where it led.
I would like the audience to feel as though they discovered a forgotten cultural gem, and through the art, learn about what the Russian people went through as their country transitioned out of communism into free market capitalism. While also considering the value of art, what is more valuable, the story behind it or the possible high price tag?
Documentary Film Festival. Los Angeles & Toronto 
