I can honestly say, Welcome to Chechnyais one of the best films I have seen in my life. Many documentaries highlight the battles government take against their own people, but France goes to the frontline to follow the story of the activists. France also isn’t afraid to shock the audience, by showing them real footage that matches the accounts of the people seen in the documentary, a barrier is broken between the screen and the viewer. This footage is horrifying because it is real. I refused to look away at these points, knowing that no matter how sick it made me feel, I had to bear witness to these crimes that could just as easily been committed against me.

But this film isn’t all horrifying. Somehow, France and the activists find moments of joy, celebrations of love, and hope. Some were even comical, seeing a young lesbian cuff her jeans, a stereotype in the community, as soon as she removes her religious clothing and even though she is on the run. What truly makes this documentary so effective is that as a viewer you feel what it is like to be one of these people. You feel the tension when they go to rescue someone, you feel the love when a family choses to relocate their whole lives to support their son who would normally be disowned, you feel the pain of their suffering, but mostly you feel the fear.

I believe France has captured the feelings of LGBTQI+ people and created a way for people to experience that whilst in safety.  It is an amazing film because it touches every emotion whilst giving us a story to follow, no matter how heart-breaking, which still isn’t over.

Written by Saskia Welch