“A left turn in the fate of Russia is as necessary as it is inevitable.”

The most talked about film at the Berlinale 2011 was a film by Cyril Tuschi, about the jailed Russian oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky (TRAILER). This factual strong talking heads with mostly animated black-and-white sequences film had been due for a few screenings, until someone stole the film at Tuschi’s office shortly before its premiere at the Berlinale. Khodorkovsky was a former Russian oligarch and businessman. In 2004 he was actually the wealthiest man in Russia and one of the richest people in the world under 40. In the documentary, despite the claim of the Directors objectivity you will find more interviews with Khodorkovsky’s friends than foes. Have a look at this unique televised press conference of February 2003 (ARTE) where you find Khodorkovsky, already flirting with opposition politics, brings up the topic of state corruption to Putin. Khodorkovsky was arrested on 25 October 2003, to appear before investigators as a witness, but within hours of being taken into custody he was charged with fraud and tax evasion. He was found guilty and sentenced to nine years in prison in May 2005. Amnesty International officially considers Khodorkovsky to be a prisoner of conscience. Wether the trial and sentencing were politically motivated is till today not proven. Not the first time I would say. Remember Sergei Magnitsky (ARTICLE). Also recommend Guardian foreign correspondent Luke Harding’s 2011 book ‘Mafia State’. You can watch the full documentary with English subtitles here (VIDEO) ! A one-not-to-miss. Share-to-care! (photo copyright LaLaFilms)