Welcome to Chechnya - TEST
Fri
1
Fri Jan 1 7:00 PM
TBA
Wheelchair
Subtitled
General Admission
Unclassified 18+
107 Mins | USA | English, and Chechen and Russian with English subtitles | Documentary Feature | 2020 January
Oscar nominated director David France (How to Survive a Plague MGFF13, The Life and Death of Marsha P. Johnson QSFF17) gives a voice to the survivors and activists on the ground, in this urgent and vital exposé of the ongoing attack on Chechen LGBTIQ+ people's lives.
President of the Russian republic of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has overseen a brutal campaign by government security officials to "cleanse the blood" of the Chechen people since 2016, detaining, torturing, and executing LGBTIQ+ people.
Facing growing prejudice and danger, a group of activists mobilised to help the victims of this violent regime. Despite limited experience and resources, they formed a vast secret network of people working to locate, shelter, and smuggle those in jeopardy out of the country, often at great personal risk.
Provided unprecedented access to the day-to-day workings of the underground pipeline, this powerful film offers much-needed insights into the personal struggles of the survivors of this vicious purge and those working to save them. Equal parts gripping and chilling, Welcome to Chechnya is an unflinching investigation into a current humanitarian crisis that's confronting but essential viewing.
Viewer discretion is strongly advised. Homophobic violence, high-impact violence, high-impact sexual violence, suicide and torture themes.
Sydney Premiere
Join us after the film for a special Q&A with director David France
2020 Berlin International Film Festival Winner: Teddy Activist Award
2020 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival Winner: Audience Award - Special Presentations
“David France has created a true masterwork of LGBT empathy, working both as a devastating portrait of hate as well as a rallying cry to arms. This is one of the best documentaries of the year.” - Culture Vultures
Due to social distancing, limited tickets are available. Book in advance to secure your seat!
Second screening added due to popular demand!
In Partnership with

President of the Russian republic of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, has overseen a brutal campaign by government security officials to "cleanse the blood" of the Chechen people since 2016, detaining, torturing, and executing LGBTIQ+ people.
Facing growing prejudice and danger, a group of activists mobilised to help the victims of this violent regime. Despite limited experience and resources, they formed a vast secret network of people working to locate, shelter, and smuggle those in jeopardy out of the country, often at great personal risk.
Provided unprecedented access to the day-to-day workings of the underground pipeline, this powerful film offers much-needed insights into the personal struggles of the survivors of this vicious purge and those working to save them. Equal parts gripping and chilling, Welcome to Chechnya is an unflinching investigation into a current humanitarian crisis that's confronting but essential viewing.
Viewer discretion is strongly advised. Homophobic violence, high-impact violence, high-impact sexual violence, suicide and torture themes.
Sydney Premiere
Join us after the film for a special Q&A with director David France
2020 Berlin International Film Festival Winner: Teddy Activist Award
2020 Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival Winner: Audience Award - Special Presentations
“David France has created a true masterwork of LGBT empathy, working both as a devastating portrait of hate as well as a rallying cry to arms. This is one of the best documentaries of the year.” - Culture Vultures
Due to social distancing, limited tickets are available. Book in advance to secure your seat!
Second screening added due to popular demand!
In Partnership with

January
Director
Producer
LGBTIQ+
Film Genre
Company Credits