Filmmaker Julia Loktev’s sequel, ‘My Undesirable Friends: Part II – Exile,’ reveals journalists’ harrowing journeys as they flee Russia.
On September 4, 2026, filmmaker Julia Loktev announced the release of her documentary sequel, ‘My Undesirable Friends: Part II – Exile’. This follow-up delves deeper into the lives of journalists forced to flee persecution from the Russian government, capturing their urgent and perilous realities amid ongoing political turmoil.
The sequel picks up after the events of its predecessor, ‘My Undesirable Friends: Part I — Last Air in Moscow,’ which concluded with the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Loktev originally documented the frenetic escape of her friends, who were labeled foreign agents for reporting on war crimes. Part II continues their stories, emblematic of a broader exodus, distributed across several cities including Warsaw, Istanbul, and Prague. This film encapsulates five chapters, balancing the bittersweet experiences of the journalists as they navigate a landscape filled with ethical dilemmas, personal challenges, and the specter of authoritarianism.
‘Exile’ opens with a brisk five-minute recap, reintroducing the subjects and instilling immediate tension. These journalists, trapped in difficult situations, grapple with their beliefs as they navigate between countries, each fraught with its own set of political nuances. The narrative emphasizes their emotional and professional complexities amidst the fear of further displacement.
Unlike its predecessor, the sequel spans several years, highlighting significant global events, including the assassination of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Loktev’s varied cast experiences these shocks in real-time, shedding light on everything from political poisonings to mass grave discoveries. As they report from afar, the impact of their work weighs heavily on them, raising questions about complicity and responsibility.
‘Exile’ also embraces feminine intimacy within its storytelling. Most of the subjects in Loktev's film are women, sharing their trials and triumphs in a landscape marked by uncertainty. Moments of levity punctuate the film, revealing their gallows humor amid adversity. The precarious nature of their lives adds depth, seen in the emotional struggles of twentysomething Ksenia Mironova and co-director Anna Nemzer, who must balance professional ambitions against personal sacrifices.
As Loktev immerses herself in the lives of these journalists, she underscores the critical role of storytelling in the face of oppression. By recording their journeys with her iPhone, she highlights not only the danger of their work but also the intimate bonds formed through shared struggles. With each passing moment, the conundrums of political journalism become more complex and intertwined with personal stories. What this means is a crucial examination of the power of truth in a world filled with uncertainty, showcasing the indomitable spirit of those dedicated to facing the truth head-on.
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