[2] Lucas, who had previously renounced his Russian citizenship and emigrated to the US,[3] said that he neither enjoyed being back in Russia nor filming the documentary; however, he felt that someone had to do so.

[4] Lucas cited weak opposition in the West to Russia's policies as one of the reasons why he shot the documentary.

[6] Out wrote, "This film isn't Lucas walking away from Russia, but a clear-eyed, unsentimental look at a country that demonize LGBTs in a concerted, violent, and dangerous way for political gain.

"[7] David Lewis of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, "The film, which puts the campaign of hate into political context, includes LGBT folks from all walks of Russian life, and we can't help but marvel at their courage in a time of such peril.

"[8] WBOC-TV rated it 3/5 stars and wrote, "It's good as a series of testimonies, but, as a complete documentary, it's rather lacking.