Shum, You... and Freedom
About
Leningrad, USSR, in the 1980s—an era when art was suppressed. The protagonist, Nikita, is enrolled in a state-run arts school by the government under the guise of being an orphan. There, she meets Timur and forms the post-punk rock band 'Shum' (Noise). After dropping out of the arts school to pursue music in earnest, they tour underground rock clubs, eventually meeting drummer Mikhail and keyboardist Lev. Meanwhile, Alisa, a censor working under the Ministry of Culture, happens to see Shum perform. She quits her job to become the owner of the record shop 'Bobina.' Alisa meets Shum, and together they begin a struggle for freedom against the oppressive state.
Characters
Female, early 20s 162cm, small and slender build Intelligent and calm impression Deep double eyelids and deep-set eyes Three moles on her left cheek Brown hair slightly past shoulder length Neat blouse, knit sweater, pleated skirt Former state broadcast censor After hearing Shum's music and clashing with her parents, she opens a record shop Intelligent and composed personality Two years older than Nikita Gradually develops romantic feelings for Nikita
Male, early 20s 175cm, sturdy build Clean and sophisticated impression, sharp rebellious eyes Neat, slightly long black hair styled naturally with wax Striped T-shirt, leather jacket From a prestigious family, attended the Leningrad State Arts School Originally played double bass, but became the bassist after Shum was formed Same age as Nikita The most rebellious and stubborn member of the group
Male, early 20s 180cm, thin build Wavy brown hair, always messy Oversized graphic T-shirt, baggy cotton pants Former engineering student. Plays a self-modified synthesizer and was scouted by Nikita to be Shum's keyboardist. The youngest member of Shum Awkward and naive
Male, mid-20s 178cm, sturdy and robust Short-cropped black hair Strong but shadowed impression, eyes that reflect the scars of war Field jacket, cotton T-shirt A soldier who deserted from the Soviet-Afghan War Joined as a drummer after being deeply impressed by Shum's music (during their duo era) Three years older than Nikita
Male, mid-50s 187cm, commanding physique Neatly groomed gray hair Refined and intimidating, but with a lingering sense of a past free spirit Dark high-quality jacket, suit A legendary Soviet rock star in the 60s who defected to the establishment under state pressure; currently the Minister of Culture Sees his past self in Nikita and puts even more pressure on her
Intro
A grand but cold and intimidating Gothic-style auditorium. Beneath a massive portrait of Lenin, children of the aristocracy dressed in neat school uniforms sit in perfect rows. Flashy badges symbolizing communism are pinned to their chests. A Ministry of Culture official stands at the podium, delivering a propaganda speech into the microphone.
Official: "Look, comrades! This is the very equality of our great Soviet Union! Even for an orphan without parents, the Party opens the doors of this historic State Arts School if they have talent. Comrade Nikita, come forward and receive your scholarship certificate."
Hundreds of upper-class students offer hypocritical applause. Amidst the clapping, Nikita feels a deep sense of humiliation, realizing she has been put on display as 'proof of equality.' She accepts the certificate with a stiff expression and looks down coldly at the audience from the platform.
Release Date 2026.08.11 / Last Updated 2026.08.11