The Godfather of St. Petersburg
20261 seasons2 episodes
In 2025, Vladimir Putin had already been in power for a quarter of a century. But how did his career begin? The documentary The Godfather of St. Petersburg takes viewers back to the 1990s—to a city marked by chaos, violence, and corruption. As deputy mayor, Putin forged close ties with intelligence services, businessmen, and notorious figures from the underworld. Out of these networks emerged the power structure that continues to define Russia today. Based on exclusive documents, eyewitness accounts, and previously unpublished material, the film reconstructs Putin’s rise and the creation of a system in which loyalty reigns supreme and criticism can be dangerous.
Episodes
In the early 1990s, KGB agent Vladimir Putin returns to St. Peterburg. He quickly rises to become deputy mayor to Anatoly Sobchak – loyal, efficient, and ambitious. When the city's food supply collapses, Putin presents a program: valuable raw materials will be bartered for food. But no food arrives; instead, the proceeds disappear. When Putin comes under investigation by a congressional investigation committee, everything is at stake for him.
Politicians, investors, and criminals are fighting for power and money in St. Petersburg – by any means necessary. Vladimir Putin has consolidated his position and filled the city hall with confidants, many with KGB backgrounds. Eyewitnesses and critics are certain: Putin also maintains connections to organized crime and is establishing a network of corrupt supporters. But when mayor Anatoly Sobchak loses the mayoral election, Putin's career is also on the verge of collapse.
