Loktev's 11-Hour Documentary on Exiled Russian Journalists Premieres Amid Democratic Backsliding

Key points

• The documentary consists of two parts: 'Last Air in Moscow' (2025) and 'Exile' (2026), totaling nearly 11 hours of runtime.
• It follows the displacement of TV Rain journalists, including Anna Nemzer and Elena Kostyuchenko, who fled Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
• Meryl Streep became an executive producer after Colin Firth recommended the film to her; she reportedly watched the entire six-hour first part despite initial reluctance.
• Loktev filmed the project alone using an iPhone, allowing her to travel rapidly across Istanbul, Amsterdam, Tel Aviv, and New York to follow her subjects.
• The film emphasizes the psychological toll of exile, with journalists describing their situation through references to 'Harry Potter' rather than historical Soviet repression.

Background

This release follows a period of heightened tension for independent media, including a September 2026 drone strike on a Kyiv newsroom and declining public trust in U.S. democratic institutions. The film’s themes of authoritarianism resonate with current debates about press freedom in the United States, where recent surveys indicate growing skepticism toward the rule of law.

How outlets are covering it

Slate focuses on the emotional and narrative arc of the film, highlighting the 'ordinary heroism' of the journalists and the specific incident where Latvian officials attempted to revoke TV Rain’s broadcasting rights over the phrase 'our soldiers.' The Forward emphasizes Loktev’s personal history as a Jewish refugee from the Soviet Union, drawing parallels between her 1979 departure and the current exodus of Russian journalists. IndieWire highlights the production logistics, noting Loktev’s solo filming approach and the involvement of Meryl Streep and Laura Poitras as executive producers, framing the film as an accessible entry point for audiences unfamiliar with Russian politics.

Why it matters

The documentary serves as a direct cautionary tale for Western democracies, illustrating how quickly press freedom can be dismantled by authoritarian regimes. As public trust in democratic institutions declines in the United States, the film’s message that 'it is very easy to lose your country' offers a stark warning about the consequences of complacency and the importance of vigilance in protecting independent journalism.

What to watch

The film is currently in select U.S. theaters through Mubi, with Q&A sessions featuring journalists Ksenia Mironova and Valeria Ratnikova. Loktev has indicated that a potential third part is unlikely until after the death of Vladimir Putin, as many of the exiled journalists do not anticipate returning to Russia. The ongoing struggle of TV Rain to broadcast from Amsterdam, despite Russian efforts to block access, will likely remain a central focus of the network's operations.