Synopsis

Zosya Rodkevich was only 22 years old when her broadcaster tasked her with making a film about Boris Nemtsov. Out of her initial scepticism towards the former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and confidant of Boris Yeltsin emerged a friendship that continued until 27^th February 2015. On that day Vladimir Putin’s most outspoken opponent was gunned down within sight of the Kremlin. Rodkevich depicts a portrait of the man who has long since become an icon of Russian opposition. She also shows how the official Russia of today manages its dealings with serious political adversaries. During his life Boris Nemtsov would be seen at campaign rallies, but also at protest marches, going about his office routine, in the courtroom, on night-walks or in police cars. The camera lens of this young filmmaker offers the audience one of the most intimate insights into the life of a politician, an insight that viewers would never have had before. The film, produced with a budget of only €15,000, is feature-length and portrays a real-life tragedy. It embodies the culmination of emotional qualities that documentary filmmaking can offer, with Nemtsov’s message constantly present throughout: “Evolution, and not revolution, is what Russia needs.”

Guests

Zosya Rodkevich

Zosya Rodkevich

Director, scriptwriter My Friend Boris Nemcow

In Vienna: March 21-28