
In Russia, criticizing the war in Ukraine or Vladimir Putin’s regime has become a crime. Thousands of ordinary citizens are being arrested, tried, and imprisoned. They are called “Politzek”: political prisoners. Filmed clandestinely over the course of more than a year, Politzek gives a platform to those who, despite the fear, continue to speak out against Putin’s repressive Russia. Through the intersecting stories of a teenager sentenced to five years in prison for criticizing the government on social media, a young artist jailed for placing anti-war stickers, a human rights activist, and two theater directors facing Kafkaesque trials, the film unveils the machinery of state repression in Russia. With rare footage, broken yet unyielding voices, this is a story of silenced resistance.

The Legend of Rita
The Legend of Rita

W.
W.

Ned Kelly
Ned Kelly

Heaven
Heaven

Destins: Général De Bollardière
Destins: Général De Bollardière

Bobby
Bobby

Remember the Titans
Remember the Titans

Queen of New York
Queen of New York

In the Time of the Butterflies
In the Time of the Butterflies

Under the Libertarian Sign
Under the Libertarian Sign

Hangmen Also Die!
Hangmen Also Die!

The Guest
The Guest