Welcome to Chechnya, screening at Sundance.

[+ E.T.Bass]

Around three years ago Russian pop star Zelim Bakaev disappeared while visiting Chechnya to attend his sisters wedding. The worst is feared, that he was caught up in a gay purge that continues and may be spreading.

 

Even though our news media for the most part does not cover what is going on there, I could never forget this story. I believe it was 60 Minutes that ran a piece on Chechnya's authoritarian leadership, but nothing about the gay purge.

 

This morning on FSTV, I learned about David France's new documentary for HBO, screening at Sundance,

Welcome to Chechnya. "...focusing on an ongoing human rights violation that seems unthinkable in the 21st century — the queer purge sanctioned by the brutal leadership of the southern Russian republic over the last few years."

 

 

 

Edited February 2, 2020 by E.T.Bass

[+ E.T.Bass]

The movie is now on HBO. A terrible situation. Kudos to Canada for not looking away. Kudos to the LGBTQ activists working over there with few resources or support.

 

[+ E.T.Bass]

Film was discussed today on Madeline Brant' show on NPR.

 

https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/press-play-with-madeleine-brand/scotus-election-lausd-chechnya/david-france-film

[+ E.T.Bass]

There are 6 threads about the gay purge in Chechnya. Since this thread is specifically about the documentary, I'll post this follow up recording of a Zoom event here.

 

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=711660119379711