In this excerpt from the Russia episode of our 7-part docuseries, Perfect Sweat, we journey to St. Petersburg, Russia, to uncover the secrets of the banya. Author Anna Artimieva, the voice behind Nude Blog, guides us through this immersive experience.  She shares her unique philosophy on the banya and its power to heal and rejuvenate.  Then, step inside a traditional Russian bathhouse, where we witness a captivating ceremony led by a skilled steam master.

Watch as a community of women gather to cleanse their bodies, minds, and spirits in this ancient ritual.  They participate in time-honored practices, choosing different herbs for their venik branches to release fragrant aromas and increase circulation.  See them massage each other with purifying salts and engage in other rituals guided by the steam master, all in the pursuit of group healing and connection.  Experience the profound sense of community and well-being that emerges from this age-old tradition.

About Bor 812 

The country club "B.O.R. 812" is a recreation center inlcuding a bath complex with 8 saunas heated by real wood, equipped with pools and other spa treatments, a 22 room hotel, and a restaurant serving European and Russian cuisine. The facility is surrounded by a pine forest along the shore of the Gulf of Finland. located just half an hour's drive from St. Petersburg. 

About Perfect Sweat

As the precursor to and inspiration behind the creation of Sauna Channel, this documentary series follows sweat bathing guru Mikkel Aaland, author of the 70s classic, Sweat, as he teams up with local guides and hosts and retraces his steps in search of the Perfect Sweat in Finland, Germany, Italy, Russia, Japan, Turkey, Norway, and Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada in the United States. What he finds after nearly 45 years is an explosive rebirth of the ancient bathing traditions, traditions which include community rituals that are meant to revive the human spirit and change the world. 

Watch the Series

The entire series, plus bonus content such as a live discussion during the virtual premiere and Q&A after each episode are available to stream online now on the film festival platform, Eventive. The series will be available on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play beginning January 6th, 2025. Visit perfectsweatseries.com for more information.