Trying to escape military conscription in Russia often results in forcible arrest. Applicants to the alternative service face bureaucratic obstacles, prejudices and misinformation. This is what drives Elena, a human rights activist of the ‘Soldiers’ Mothers St. Petersburg’. Tirelessly she struggles with authorities, demonstrates in front of conscription offices, educates about the alternative service. Konstantin and Ivars are both fighting lengthy court battles in order to stay true to their pacifist beliefs. Anton was in the army. Like many, he thought it ‘would make a man’ of him. After six months of mistreatment by comrades and superiors, he decided to desert. It’s a film about standing up to authority. About courage and self-determination. About the search for a male identity beyond prevalent stereotypes.