In December 2021, the dimly lit kitchen of a Moscow apartment becomes the unlikely backdrop for a crucial conversation among three women, one of whom, journalist Irina Dolinina, reflects on the grim reality of life under Vladimir Putin’s regime. “At 27, I’ve become a very dangerous person for the state,” she states, her voice tinged with both defiance and dread. Dolinina, who works for an investigative outlet known for its exposés, recounts the harrowing experiences of her colleagues: “I’ve already buried colleagues. My colleagues get drugs planted on them. My colleagues get jailed as spies. My colleagues get murdered.”
This chilling narrative forms the core of the documentary *My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow*, directed by Russian American filmmaker Julia Loktev. The film follows a group of independent female journalists striving to tell the truth in a landscape where such truths have become increasingly dangerous to convey. It paints a vivid picture of an authoritarian state tightening its grip on freedom of expression, with every institution serving the whims of its powerful leader.
For over two decades, Putin has waged a relentless war against dissent, particularly targeting the media. His campaign began shortly after his first inauguration in 2000, leading to the state takeover of NTV, a once-independent television channel. Since then, reporters who dared to challenge his authority have faced severe repercussions, ranging from forced exile to violent retribution. Satirical shows that mocked him were removed from the airwaves, and editorial teams at critical outlets were replaced with government-friendly personnel.
The assault on the media has been paralleled by a sustained crackdown on civil society, including NGOs, activists, and human rights organizations. In 2012, the Russian parliament enacted a foreign agent law, allowing the state to label individuals and organizations as foreign agents if they were suspected of receiving foreign funding or engaging in political activities. This label, reminiscent of the Stalinist era, has been weaponized against anyone who dares to criticize the government.
The foreign agent law works in tandem with the “undesirable organizations” law, which was implemented in 2015 following Putin’s annexation of Crimea. This law empowered the Prosecutor General’s office to ban foreign-affiliated groups deemed threats to national security, effectively cutting off funding and resources for civil society. Over the years, dissenters have been increasingly marginalized, their voices stifled under a growing cloud of state-sponsored intimidation.
*My Undesirable Friends* captures this unsettling reality through the experiences of women journalists connected to Dozhd, or TV Rain, a platform founded in 2008 during a brief period when political change seemed possible. Initially a lifestyle and culture channel, Dozhd soon became a bastion of liberal thought, openly confronting the abuses of power that characterized Putin’s increasingly authoritarian regime.
However, as Dozhd’s reporting became more critical, the Kremlin retaliated fiercely. The channel faced accusations of disrespecting war veterans, leading to its removal from cable and satellite providers. The channel transitioned to an online platform, where it continued to provide a rare counter-narrative to state propaganda. Yet, this independence came at a cost, as the government imposed audits, fines, and advertiser boycotts, pushing the outlet to the brink of collapse.
On August 20, 2021, just weeks before parliamentary elections, Dozhd was officially designated a foreign agent. This label subjected the channel to a host of onerous obligations, crippling its ability to operate freely. Journalists branded as foreign agents faced professional ostracism, with few outlets willing to employ them, effectively ending their careers. The burden of compliance with bureaucratic requirements became a full-time job, leaving many unable to work in their chosen field.
The documentary unfolds against this backdrop, exposing the fearlessness of its subjects as they navigate an increasingly hostile environment. Dolinina and her colleagues embody a spirit of resistance, confronting their circumstances with humor and determination. They refuse to be defined by their labels, even as the weight of the state’s oppression bears down upon them.
The film also offers glimpses into the personal lives of these journalists, revealing the sacrifices they make in pursuit of truth. For Ksenia Mironova, who was engaged to fellow journalist Ivan Safronov, the stakes are particularly high; Safronov has been imprisoned on treason charges, barred from contact with anyone, including Mironova. In a haunting scene, she prepares a care package for him, highlighting the grim normalcy of life under an oppressive regime.
As the clock ticks toward the New Year, the atmosphere in Moscow is one of muted despair. “It’s a wake. But a fun one,” says Nemzer, a fellow journalist. Each day brings new lows, and the women grapple with the reality of their situation while maintaining a sense of camaraderie and resilience.
The documentary chronicles their conversations about the future—whether to remain in Russia or seek refuge elsewhere, aware that the decision could have dire consequences. For some, family ties bind them to their homeland; for others, the fear of confirming state accusations weighs heavily. With the war in Ukraine looming on the horizon, the sense of dread intensifies.
When the full-scale invasion of Ukraine begins on February 24, 2022, it marks a turning point not only for the country but for the journalists who had hoped for a different future. “I don’t have a country anymore,” Nemzer laments, a sentiment echoed by many as the realities of war obliterate any aspirations for a peaceful Russia.
As the war unfolds, Dozhd continues its independent reporting, defying state narratives and broadcasting the harsh truths of the conflict. But the price for dissent is steep, and the documentary captures the frantic efforts of journalists to escape the tightening noose of repression.
The film serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of those who dare to challenge authoritarianism, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It is a poignant exploration of the consequences of silence and complicity, a stark warning to those in democracies teetering on the edge.
Ultimately, *My Undesirable Friends* is a call to action, urging viewers to recognize the importance of press freedom and the sacrifices made by those who fight for it. As the film draws to a close, it leaves us with a sobering truth: the struggle for freedom and truth is far from over, and the fight against oppression must continue.
