Maxim Lapunov, a survivor of the anti-LGBTQ purges in Chechnya, seeks refuge with the help of activists in a network of safehouses. The 2020 documentary by David France documents the secret rescue operations amid the repression faced by LGBTQ individuals in the region. Advanced facial recognition technology allows the film to present real faces while protecting identities. The film also mentions the disappearance of gay singer Zelim Bakaev in 2017.

What Critics Say

RogerEbert.com

Both astonishingly groundbreaking in its use of technology, and difficult to watch.

Sheila O'MalleyRead full article

Deep Dive

Why Watch

See Maxim Lapunov's fight for legal justice in Russia.
Meet activists rescuing LGBT refugees from Chechnya.
Find out about Zelim Bakaev's mysterious disappearance.

Did You Know

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2020.
Maxim Lapunov is one of the refugees publicly identified in the film.
The film was edited in a windowless room to maintain security protocols.
It holds a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 72 reviews.

Perfect For

LGBTQ+ rightsHuman rights activismDocumentary filmmaking

Read full Deep Dive →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who directed the documentary Welcome to Chechnya?

David France directed the documentary Welcome to Chechnya.

When did Welcome to Chechnya premiere at the Sundance Film Festival?

Welcome to Chechnya premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2020.

What technology was used to protect the identities of interviewees in Welcome to Chechnya?

Advanced facial replacement techniques using artificial intelligence and novel visual effects technology were used to protect the identities of interviewees.

Awards & Festivals

View all →

Emmy Awards

2021 • Award

Directors Guild of America Awards

2021 • Award

Sundance Film Festival

2020 • Award

BAFTA Awards

2021 • Official selection

Awards & Festivals

Comments

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