Alexei Navalny: The Oscar-Winning Documentary That Takes on Russia’s Political Landscape
In a shocking turn of events, the news of Alexei Navalny’s death in a Russian prison has given new poignancy to the questions posed in the Oscar-winning documentary, Navalny. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Daniel Roher, the film follows the life and struggles of the Russian political activist, offering a glimpse into the dangers he faced and the resilience he embodied.
The documentary begins with a question that now resonates deeply: “If you are killed, if this does happen, what message do you leave behind to the Russian people?” Navalny responds with a smile, dismissing the idea of his own death as if it were a movie plot. Little did he know that his words would soon become tragically relevant.
Navalny’s untimely demise has left both his friends and the filmmaker in shock. Despite being aware of the dangers he faced, Roher admits that he was taken aback by the news. “In this moment we’re occupying now – this cloud of sadness and grief which I’m struck by – it’s shocking to me,” Roher told the BBC. The filmmaker describes his friendship with Navalny, highlighting their shared sense of humor and mutual respect. Their bond grew stronger during the filming process, with Navalny’s quick wit and ability to find humor even in difficult situations.
The documentary delves into one of the most significant events in Navalny’s life – his poisoning with the deadly nerve agent Novichok. After collapsing on a flight over Siberia, Navalny was rushed to a hospital in Omsk before being airlifted to Berlin for treatment. The film captures his recovery and his subsequent return to Russia, where he is arrested upon arrival.
One of the most remarkable scenes in the documentary involves Navalny’s confrontation with an FSB agent over the phone. Navalny manages to trick the agent into admitting that the chemical weapon had been used to poison him. The revelation shocks both the film crew and viewers alike, highlighting the extent of the danger Navalny faced.
Throughout the film, the prospect of Navalny’s mortality looms large. In one scene, he acknowledges that the filmmaker is capturing everything for a movie that will be released if something were to happen to him. Little did he know that the film would be released before his death, garnering international acclaim for its gripping portrayal of his life and struggles.
The documentary serves as a testament to Navalny’s courage and resilience. Despite the risks he faced, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of justice and change in Russia. His final message to the Russian people, delivered in both English and Russian, emphasizes the importance of not being inactive in the face of evil.
For Daniel Roher, the director, making this film has been a life-changing experience. He reflects on how Navalny’s life has taught him the importance of maintaining levity and humanity in the face of adversity. “Everything isn’t going to be okay for Alexei as we know, but his life is a masterclass in courage and resilience, and light in dark,” Roher concludes.
The Oscar-winning documentary Navalny offers a poignant and powerful portrayal of a man who fought against injustice until his last breath. It serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by political activists in Russia and the importance of their voices being heard. As the world mourns the loss of Alexei Navalny, his legacy lives on through this remarkable film.
