Documenting Russia's Independent Press: Julia Loktev's My Undesirable Friends
Filmmaker Julia Loktev began documenting independent journalists in Russia in fall 2021, just four months before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Her initial focus was on the Russian government's designation of over 100 individuals and organizations as "foreign agents," a term with deep historical roots in Soviet-era repression.
Loktev, an American citizen born in the Soviet Union, sought to understand the implications of this designation for reporters, bloggers, and human rights groups.
The Documentary: Last Air in Moscow
Her documentary, My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow, chronicles the experiences of young journalists from TV Rain, which was Russia's last independent television channel, and other independent reporters who had been labeled foreign agents.
Impact of the Ukraine War
The film's focus shifted dramatically following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Independent journalism within Russia became increasingly difficult due to a wave of new restrictions.
Independent journalism within Russia became increasingly difficult due to new restrictions.
Loktev observed journalists attempting to continue reporting despite government mandates, which included only disseminating information confirmed by the Ministry of Defense. Journalists devised methods to circumvent these restrictions, such as displaying images of bombed apartment buildings in Ukraine while subsequently stating official claims that only military targets were being struck.
Facing increasing threats and widespread media shutdowns, many subjects of the documentary ultimately chose to leave Russia. TV Rain now operates from the Netherlands, and the Russian government has since accused several of the station's news anchors of extremism and terrorism.
Filming Approach and Observations
Loktev primarily filmed using her iPhone, noting that this method allowed for greater intimacy and access with her subjects due to its less intrusive nature and common use. She remained in Russia during the first week of the invasion, prioritizing the capture of crucial footage.
Loktev has also drawn parallels between the suppression of journalists in Russia and certain political developments in the United States. She referenced the closure of the human rights organization Memorial in Russia, where a judge questioned why victors should be ashamed of their history.
Loktev has drawn parallels between the suppression of journalists in Russia and certain political developments in the United States.
She compared this sentiment to discussions in the U.S. regarding historical narratives, such as remarks about omitting aspects like slavery.