Get ready to have your perspective challenged, because the world of documentary filmmaking just got a whole lot more intense. Mubi has snagged the rights to Julia Loktev’s jaw-dropping, Oscar-shortlisted documentary ‘My Undesirable Friends’ and its highly anticipated sequel, and trust me, this is a story you won’t want to miss. But here’s where it gets controversial—this isn’t just any documentary; it’s a five-hour-plus deep dive into the lives of Russian journalists forced into exile after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and it’s sparking conversations about authoritarianism, resistance, and the global relevance of their struggle.
In a bold move, Mubi, the global distributor, streaming service, and production powerhouse, has acquired both My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow and its sequel, Part II – Exile. These films are set to premiere exclusively on Mubi later this year, offering audiences an unfiltered look at the human cost of political oppression. Part I has already made waves, premiering at the 2024 New York Film Festival and earning a spot on the Oscar shortlist for Best Documentary Feature. It’s also racked up accolades, including Best Documentary Feature at the Gotham Awards and top honors from the National Society of Film Critics, the New York Film Critics Circle, and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. And this is the part most people miss—its runtime is a staggering 5 hours and 24 minutes, proving that some stories simply can’t be rushed.
Julia Loktev, a Russian-born filmmaker who immigrated to the U.S. at age 9, returned to Moscow to document the dwindling independent news organizations in Russia. Little did she know, her project would evolve into a harrowing chronicle of journalists like Alesya Marokhovskaya, Anna Nemzer, and Elena Kostyuchenko, who were forced to flee their homeland after Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine. Part I begins as an intimate portrait of these women but quickly transforms into a gripping narrative of exile and resilience. Part II picks up right where they left off, following their journey across borders as they grapple with shame, accountability, and their opposition to the war.
But here’s the kicker: the title My Undesirable Friends isn’t just poetic—it’s a direct reference to Russia’s official designation of ‘undesirable organizations,’ a label slapped on independent media outlets, human rights groups, and even educational institutions like Bard College and Yale. Is this a chilling foreshadowing of what could happen in other parts of the world, or is it a uniquely Russian phenomenon? That’s the question Loktev’s film forces us to confront.
Loktev herself has noted the film’s unexpected resonance, stating, ‘When I started making My Undesirable Friends, I had no idea I would be capturing history. It’s a film about a country sliding into authoritarianism, and about those who resist. Speaking as an American, every day it hits closer to home.’ Critics have called it a thriller, a disaster film, a hangout film, and even a love story—and Loktev agrees they’re all right. But what’s undeniable is the film’s urgency and its ability to spark global conversations.
And this is where it gets even more thought-provoking. In a recent interview, Loktev pointed out that Russia’s labeling of independent media as ‘undesirable’ is part of a broader crackdown on truth and dissent. ‘Putin is afraid of people knowing the truth,’ she said. ‘He’s afraid of opposition, of anything that isn’t propaganda.’ But is this fear of truth unique to Russia, or is it a symptom of a larger global trend? That’s a question we should all be asking.
With Mubi bringing My Undesirable Friends to international audiences, the stage is set for a worldwide dialogue. Whether you see it as a cautionary tale, a call to action, or simply a masterful piece of filmmaking, one thing’s for sure—this documentary is anything but undesirable. So, what’s your take? Is Loktev’s film a necessary wake-up call, or does it overstep in its critique of authoritarianism? Let’s hear it in the comments!
