Film: Je Suis Russia

On Thursday, January 26, from 7 to 9 pm, at the Belfast Library, Independent filmmaker, Regis Tremblay of Brunswick who recently returned from Russia where he completed filming for his new documentary, Thirty Seconds to Midnight – The Final Wake Up Call, will host a screening of his short documentary, Je Suis Russia.

This 45 minute documentary provides a counter narrative to the image western media has created of Russia and President Putin. Tremblay interviewed ordinary Russians, educators, former military officers, activists, students, and members of the Communist Party.

Contrary to what many believe, The Russians did not invade and annex Crimea. Local activists and citizens will explain exactly what actually led to Crimea returning to Russia.

Tremblay’s short film plays like a travel documentary and a 60 Minutes revelation. The film provides a window into a Russia that is far removed from the small, backward and weak country recently characterized by President Obama.

Moscow and Saint Petersburg – the former Leningrad – are large, modern cities with magnificent architecture, breathtaking monuments, reliable, clean public transportation, and a world class subway system. WiFi can be found everywhere. The boulevards are wide and full of late model automobiles from Japan, Europe, and the U.S.

Tremblay will discuss the many myths and distortions that portray Russia as an aggressor country, and the Russian people as backward. Not all Russians like President Putin, you will hear Russians speak openly about their likes and dislikes. Tremblay asked their opinions about the possibility of nuclear war with America, civil defense preparations for 40 million Russians, the conflict in Syria, the coup in Ukraine, the American election, and even LGBT rights. Their answers will surprise you.

Russia has a Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech, the right to demonstrate and protest, and the right to organize, it also promotes human rights.

Tremblay’s presentation is a timely and important piece of citizen journalism that provides a fresh look at Russia, it’s leaders and it’s people.

This program is sponsored by the Midcoast Peace and Justice Group and is free and open to the public
FMI – 691-0322