Cinepolitica 2017: “This Is Our Land” and “Putin Forever?”

     This Is Our Land / Chez nous (directed by Lucas Belvaux) and Putin Forever? (directed by Kiril Nenashev) are two of the titles included in the competition of the Cinepolitica International Festival (20-23 April 2017, Cinema Elvira Popescu, Bucharest).

     This Is Our Land (directed by Lucas Belvaux) tells the story of an apolitical nurse who unexpectedly becomes an activist within an ultranational formation in France. Though her only purpose was to help her community, Pauline will get caught in the whirlwind of xenophobia and demagogy inoculated by the party's doctrine.
     The production gave rise to controversy, being fiercely condemned especially by the leaders of the French National Front and accused of defaming the party right before the elections where Marine Le Pen is running for office with significant chances of success. Director Lucas Belvaux strongly stands behind his discourse, stating that his film was intended to promote an objective debate on populism and the huge danger posed by it, and that it was in no way an act of sabotage or propaganda. 
     The documentary Putin Forever? follows the protests in Russia that took place in 2011 – 2012. The film puts together extremely important archive images, shot during the most heated and tense moments of the attempted anti-Putin revolution. 
     Details at: www.cinepolitica.ro

(Translated by Stela Moise)