Alexandr Molochnikov’s Oscar-shortlisted film, Extremist, is ripped from the headlines. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has turned into all-out war, and citizens across multiple continents protest in any way that they can. Extremist tells the true story of Sasha Skochilenko, a Russian artist and musician who finds herself behind bars after she places facts about the conflict on stickers on products in a nearby store. While Molochnikov never shies away from the real implications behind Skochileno’s imprisonment, Extemist turns this story on its head to surprise the audience with a remarkable ending.

More filmmakers should take risks with how they tell real-life stories, and Molochnikov explains that he wasn’t ever scared or worried to write a film that hones in on the truth. You cannot avoid the news of the war in Ukraine, and one way to protest the violence is by not shying away from it.

Molochnikov shows two different worlds living side-by-side. Skochilenko fills her world with color and life, galavanting around the woods with her friends and her lover, Sonya. Under the Russian rule, the filmmaker bathes the film in greys and blues, so a shade of red lipstick or shimmer of gold glitter sparkles even brighter. It’s almost as if the visual palette is an accompanying protest.

Extemist avoids becoming another true story tale for the light infused within it. The film feels very present, not just because this event happened so recently but also because our anger and frustration with this war is something that we see and hear about almost every day.

If a regime can steal your freedom for simply telling the truth, they can do anything. If a sticker can land you in prison, what will happen when you march in the streets?

Extremist can be viewed via The New Yorker’s YouTube page here.

Click here to listen to my conversation with Extremist director Alexandr Molochnikov.

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