The Oscar Shortlist is heating up, and one documentary is making a powerful statement. Julia Loktev's 'My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow' is a mammoth-sized film, both in length and impact, as it delves into the lives of journalists in Putin's Russia.
Loktev's documentary has been making waves in the awards circuit. It recently won Best Documentary/Nonfiction at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Best Documentary Film at the Gotham Awards, and Best Non-Fiction Film at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards. It's a remarkable feat, especially given the film's unique structure and subject matter.
The film, which clocks in at over five hours, is a personal journey for Loktev, who immigrated from the Soviet Union to the U.S. as a child. She returned to Moscow in 2021 to capture the stories of independent journalists, but her timing was eerily prophetic. Just months after her arrival, Putin invaded Ukraine, and the film became a gripping portrayal of a changing Russia.
But here's where it gets controversial... The term 'undesirable' in the title refers to the Russian government's classification of independent media and civil rights organizations as 'undesirable organizations.' Loktev's 'undesirable friends' are young journalists, mostly women, who dared to challenge the Kremlin's narrative. As the film progresses, these journalists become targets of the state, facing repression and exile.
Loktev's approach is unique, crafting the documentary like a fiction film with scenes and character development. She says, "It's all about people... I got to capture history unfolding live." This vérité style allows viewers to experience the tightening grip of censorship and the escalating tension as the Kremlin cracks down on independent media.
The film also draws parallels between Putin's Russia and the Trump administration in the U.S., both manipulating historical narratives to suit their agendas. Loktev highlights how authoritarian regimes rewrite history to control the present.
With its impressive awards season run, 'My Undesirable Friends' is a strong contender for the Oscars. However, its length and episodic nature could be a hurdle due to Academy rules. Despite this, the film's impact is undeniable, and Loktev is already working on Part II, following the exiled journalists' journeys.
And this is the part most people miss... Loktev's documentary is not just about the past; it's a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for press freedom in Russia and beyond. It raises questions about the role of journalists in challenging authoritarian regimes and the power of storytelling in preserving truth. Will 'My Undesirable Friends' receive the recognition it deserves? The Oscars will decide, but the film's impact is already being felt.
