Julia Loktev's documentary 'My Undesirable Friends: Part 2' explores press freedom in Russia and debuts at the Venice Film Festival.
Julia Loktev's highly anticipated documentary, My Undesirable Friends: Part 2 — Exile, premiered out of competition in the Venice Film Festival's Open strand on September 5, 2026. This sequel continues the exploration of press freedom in Russia following the critical events that led to the mass diaspora of journalists under Vladimir Putin's regime. Variety reported on the film's debut, highlighting its significance in the current global media landscape.
In the first part of this documentary series, My Undesirable Friends: Part 1 — Last Air In Moscow, Loktev adeptly chronicled the precarious state of independent media in Russia over a four-month period, culminating in the nation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Part 2 expands the narrative and spans over four and a half years, capturing the aftermath of the invasion, where journalists who fled their homeland faced formidable challenges rebuilding their lives abroad.
Loktev’s thought-provoking sequel presents an intimate portrayal of journalists, many of whom were affiliated with TV Rain, a station labeled an "undesirable organization" by the Kremlin. The film opens just two days after the invasion, showcasing the urgency and fear experienced by its subjects as they escaped Russia with their lives. This poignant narrative highlights the struggles faced by these individuals in cities like Istanbul, Amsterdam, and New York and serves as a reminder of the fragility of press freedoms worldwide.
The evolution from the first to the second part of My Undesirable Friends marks a significant deepening in emotional complexity. Loktev describes this chapter as a much more intricate story, providing audiences with unguarded moments of fear and courage as the subjects navigate lives altered by political turmoil.
The expansive scope of this project reflects contemporary social and political themes, highlighting the parallel between the experiences of Russian journalists and the current climate of press freedom in the United States. Loktev has situated her work against a backdrop that resonates with audiences today, drawing connections between state control and individual liberties.
Loktev's documentary resonates particularly with American viewers by echoing concerns about civil liberties in the U.S. The director has noted that her film, while capturing the distressing experiences of Russian journalists, can also serve as a cautionary tale for American audiences who may find parallels in their own political climate. Her final reflections in the interviews underline the importance of remaining vigilant and vocal about preserving freedoms often taken for granted.
The release of My Undesirable Friends: Part 2 intensifies the ongoing conversation about press freedom, offering a crucial lens into the consequences of authoritarianism. As the film attracts international attention, it provides essential commentary on the persistent threats faced by journalists everywhere. Loktev's compelling storytelling is not only a tribute to those who have suffered under oppressive regimes but also a clarion call for audiences to engage with the challenges of preserving free expression in their own societies.
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