It's Thanksgiving Day 1970. The U.S. Coast Guard approaches a Soviet ship anchored on Martha's Vineyard. The two world powers have agreed on a meeting to discuss fishing rights in the Atlantic Ocean. While talks are underway, Lithuanian sailor Simas Kudirka jumps on the American ship. The jump triggers a series of chaotic events and causes a colossal conflict in the middle of the Cold War.

The United States denied his request for political asylum, and Kudirka returned to the Soviet Union on charges of treason. The Nixon government saw protests for Kudirka's freedom spread across the country.

Through the first-person testimonies of those who witnessed the jump, unseen archive material and the fun recreations of Kurdirka himself - he is now 90 and has an unforgettable sense of humor - director Giedrė Žickytė constructs an inspiring story with incredible twists.

DocsBarcelona Panorama Section, supported by ARTE