🎞️ «Politzek: Voices Defying the Kremlin»

Screening of the film finalist in the Reportage Long category. Q&A with director Manon Loizeau

PRODUCTION: Independent
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: France
PRODUCTION COUTRY: Russian Federation
DATE: 2025
LENGTH: 91′
DIRECTED BY: Manon Loizeau, Ekaterina Mamontova

What is the price of political activism in Russia? Putin’s regime labels any criticism of the state as terrorism and sentences thousands to lengthy prison terms. The Russian term “politzek” refers to political prisoners, whose numbers have soared, particularly since the start of the war in Ukraine. Secretly filmed, this documentary examines the individual acts of “terrorism” committed by protesters that have led to harsh convictions. At the same time, it shows that many people are still willing to risk their freedom to expose systemic injustice and human rights violations.