The New Greatness Case
Human Rights Watch Film Festival 2022
May 20 - 26, 2022
With hidden camera footage, and an intimate relationship with the protagonists, the director, Anna Shishova, shows the complete repression of present-day Russia, and how young, free-thinking people, are seen as a threat to the government.
The New Greatness Case also screens digitally nationwide between May 20 – 26 on HRWFF’s digital streaming platform. Watch here.
Q&A with Director Anna Shishova-Bogolubova , HRW Associate Director of Europe and Central Asia Division Tanya Lokshina, Journalist of TV channel Dozhd (TV Rain) and Novaya Gazeta (New Newspaper) Vasily Polonsky, Moderator Julia Ioffe, Founding Partner & Washington Correspondent, Puck
With the current intensified crackdown on dissent and free expression in Russia, The New Greatness Case brings viewers into the life of young Russians caught in the crossfire. Anya was an ordinary teenager, discussing Russian politics and social issues on the internet with a group of friends, when a secret agent joined their chat group and rented them a meeting space – pushing them toward direct physical action. Police stormed their homes to arrest and jail the teens, accusing them of plotting to overthrow the government and fabricating charges of extremism. Three years later, Anya’s mother, continuing her desperate fight to prove her daughter’s innocence, has transformed from a loyal follower of Vladimir Putin to a hunger-strike enacting political activist. With hidden camera footage, and an intimate relationship with the protagonists, the director, Anna Shishova, shows the complete repression of present-day Russia, and how young, free-thinking people, are seen as a threat to the government.
“A courageous and dedicated film with incredible scenes. The case against the kids is so grotesque, it keeps you watching for the next twist.” —Bill Van Esveld, Associate Director, Children’s Rights Division, Human Rights Watch
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