Politzek — The Voices That Defy the Kremlin

[Politzek, les voix qui défient le Kremlin]

France, Belgium, 2025, 90 mins.

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In French and Russian with English subtitles

The Russian term “politzek” refers to political prisoners, whose numbers have skyrocketed in the country, especially since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Activist and chairman of the Memorial Human Rights Defence Centre, Oleg Orlov, as well as fourteen-year-old Arseniy, who was sentenced to five years in prison for criticising Putin on social media, are two such prisoners.  Through the intertwined stories of several Politzek, and mothers fighting to free their children, the film sheds light on Russia’s machinery of repression. With rare footage and fragile yet defiant voices, Politzek offers a deeply human portrait of silenced resistance.

“Adocumentary that breathes with urgency, sorrow, and bravery.”
– Margareta Hruza, Modern Times Review

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“These activists leave behind a legacy of resistance — even in death.”
– Elizabeth Grenier, Deutsche Welle