System Error (2024)
System Error (2024)
In Russia’s medical system, where hope clashes with bureaucracy, unfolds a story of extraordinary courage and resilience. Mikhail Kaabak, the country’s only pediatric kidney transplant surgeon, performs life-saving surgeries on infants under 5kg, a task demanding rare skill and unwavering dedication. When an adult kidney is the only chance to save a fragile life, he becomes the beacon of hope for families facing despair.
But one mistake, amplified by a rigid system, leads to his dismissal, putting countless children at risk. Desperate parents unite to fight for his return, turning their struggle into a battle that tests the limits of love, compassion, and justice.
In the Moscow courtroom, Dr. Kaabak stands against an unyielding establishment, defending not only his right to save lives but the right of every child to survive.
This powerful documentary reveals the fragility of life, the strength of human connection, and the courage to challenge broken systems. It is not just about one doctor, but about a fight for hope, humanity, and the future.

“This film is currently making its rounds in renowned international film festivals. We welcome further festival selections that align with our vision of sharing impactful stories with audiences across the globe.”

Golden Winged Leopard International Film Festival
Belarus (Listopad)
Finalist
Award of Recognition
Cinema Verite, Tehran International Documentary Film Festival
Tehran, Iran, Islamic Republic of
December 11, 2024
Official Selection
White Bird Film Festival
Kazan, Russian Federation
April 16, 2024
World Premiere
Best Documentary / Nominated
Trailer
Director
- Director, Producer
Claudia Bershadskaya is a Russian film director and graduate of the prestigious All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography (VGIK), one of the top ten film schools globally. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to telling deeply human stories, often exploring individuals in extraordinary or challenging circumstances.
Before pursuing filmmaking, Claudia worked as a flight attendant, an experience that shaped her perspective and inspired her creative approach. In 2021, she founded her own film studio, Human Pictures, in Russia. Since then, she has directed films addressing critical social and humanitarian issues, earning widespread recognition at both national and international levels.
Claudia’s work often takes her and her team to extreme and diverse locations, including Africa, Cape Horn in Argentina, and the Philippines, reflecting her dedication to capturing the resilience and complexity of the human spirit.
(more…)Director's Statement:
Death is the main enemy, before whom everyone is equal. M. M. Kaabak.
Mikhail Mikhailovich Kaabak is the only pediatric transplant doctor in Russia who performs kidney transplants for small children.
Mikhail Mikhailovich’s dismissal from the National Medical Research Center for Children’s Health jeopardizes both operated young patients and those who are on the waiting list.
The struggle of parents for the doctor leads Mikhail Mikhailovich to the Moscow courtroom, where he will have to defend his right to save children’s lives in front of representatives of the mothballed system.
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Film Specifications
Credits:
- Director: Claudia Bershadskaya
- Writer: Claudia Bershadskaya
- General Producer: Vladimir Bershadskii
- Executive Producer: Julia Shatilova
- Cinematographer: Konstantin Karpushov
- Operators: Maxim Potapov, Julia Matrosova, Nadezda Naumova, Roman Ostromukhov
- Editors: Claudia Bershadskaya, Kristina Alexandrova
- Production: Human Pictures
Technical:
- Project Type: Documentary Feature
- Runtime: 52 minutes
- Completion Year: 2024
- Country of Filming: Russia
- Language: Russian (with English subtitles)
- Shooting Format: Digital Full HD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Film Color: Color