Julia Loktev interview on My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow

Julia Loktev interview on My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow: Exile, women journalists & humour under Putin Julia Loktev discusses the making of My Undesirable Friends: Part I – Last Air in Moscow. She describes the film as an intimate record of history unfolding in real time, following a group of young women journalists in Russia as they resist Putin’s regime and strive to report the truth. Loktev explains how the project changed significantly when Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, transforming an observational portrait of mounting repression into an urgent account of exile, censorship and moral choice. She reflects on how her background in fiction influenced the documentary’s style, with close attention to character, emotional texture and the shifts between tension, humour and grief that shape real life. She clarifies the significance of the title, drawn from the bureaucratic language used to criminalise independent media, and considers how friendship and intimacy became central to the film’s perspective. Loktev also discusses returning to Russia as a native Russian speaker who left as a child, and how that dual perspective helped her make the story accessible to international audiences. She describes filming alone in an increasingly dangerous environment, and how the courage of her subjects influenced her own approach to risk. Ultimately, Loktev reflects on the film’s wider resonance as a portrait of resistance, community and integrity under authoritarian rule. Interviewer: Sarah Bradbury Editing: Olivia Barker ►► Haven't subscribed yet? Do it now! https://theupcoming.co.uk/YouTube ◄◄ Connect with The Upcoming: - Our Website ►► https://www.theupcoming.co.uk - Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/TheUpcoming - TikTok ►► https://www.tiktok.com/@theupcomingmagazine - Twitter / X ►► https://www.twitter.com/The_Upcoming - Facebook ►► https://www.facebook.com/TheUpcomingMagazine 📩 For syndication enquiries: [email protected]