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Deep Dive: Citizenfour (2014)

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Citizenfour
Citizenfour is a documentary directed by Laura Poitras that centers on Edward Snowden and the NSA spying scandal. The film begins in January 2013 when Poitras receives an encrypted email from a source named 'Citizen Four,' who later reveals himself as Snowden. He provides Poitras with information about illegal wiretapping practices by the NSA. The film captures their initial meeting in Hong Kong, where Snowden discusses his motivations and the implications of the surveillance programs. The narrative follows Snowden's journey as he becomes a whistleblower. After his identity is made public, he faces the threat of extradition and seeks asylum. The film documents his time in Hong Kong, including his interactions with journalists Glenn Greenwald and Ewen MacAskill. It culminates with Snowden's eventual departure to Russia, where he is granted temporary asylum. The film is part of a trilogy that examines the impact of the September 11 attacks on civil liberties.

Why Watch

  • •Meet Edward Snowden in his own words.
  • •See the NSA's illegal wiretapping practices exposed.
  • •Follow Snowden's escape from Hong Kong.

Did You Know

•Citizenfour premiered in the US on October 10, 2014.
•Snowden chose the codename 'Citizen Four' as a nod to three previous NSA whistleblowers.
•The film won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature at the 87th Academy Awards.
•Snowden was stranded in Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport for 40 days.

Perfect For

Privacy advocatesDocumentary enthusiastsPolitical activists