SAT, APR 26, 6:00 PM // Big Ideas
Director James Jones is joined by Antidote protagonist, investigative journalist Christo Grozev of Bellingcat, in a gripping conversation about his groundbreaking work exposing a Russian government assassination squad targeting opposition figures, as well as the high-stakes challenges and dangers of investigative journalism in today’s volatile landscape. Guests: Director James Jones and journalist Christo Grozev. Moderator: Journalist, author, filmmaker and podcaster Michelle Shephard.
About the film
Investigative journalist Christo Grozev, a co-founder of Bellingcat, is on the run. There is a bounty on his head, and spies all over Europe are trying to assassinate him. This might sound like the plot of a spy movie, but it is the chilling reality for many who oppose the murderous Russian regime. Through open-source investigation, Grozev uncovers and exposes the vast network of Russia’s state-employed assassins who are tasked with eliminating political opponents like Alexei Navalny.
Intertwined with Grozev’s story are real-time accounts of two others who are standing up and revealing Vladimir Putin’s criminal network. One, an anonymous whistleblower involved in Russia’s poison program, is trying to escape the country. The other is Vladimir Kara-Murza, a prominent political activist who has twice survived poisoning and stands trial for treason.
This kinetic docu-thriller paints a complex and deep portrait of those fighting against authoritarianism to reveal the truth about modern Russia. As Grozev’s son sums it up: “My dad is a resourceful and determined, yet silly man who has managed to make one of the most dangerous men on the planet very angry.” Kinga Binkowska.
Hot Docs Members and ticket package holders can obtain single tickets in an advance window from March 25-31. Single tickets are on sale to the public starting April 1.
Sales Agent: Submarine and Dogwoof