Black Snow
13th September 2024
h. 20:30
Concorso Internazionale
Synopsis:
Making its world premiere at CPH DOX 2024, “Black Snow” is the debut feature film by Ukrainian-U.S. director Alina Simone. The documentary tells the story of Natalia Zubkova, a mother of three and homemaker-turned-journalist, who finds herself being targeted by Russian authorities after uncovering truths of Siberia’s coal industry. When a fire at an abandoned mine releases toxic gases into surrounding homes, Natalia becomes a focal point for her community. However, after her journalistic investigation goes viral, the community suffers a massive disinformation campaign orchestrated by the government. Joined by filmmaker Alina Simone, Natalia embarks on a dangerous mission to reveal the full extent of an environmental catastrophe. “Black Snow” shines light on the corruption of the mining industry, the rigidity of Russia’s surveillance state and the courage required to defy the authorities in an era of increasing repression.
Director’s notes:
It is my hope that Black Snow will expose the tactics the government is using to suppress activists and journalists and provide powerful evidence for how Russia’s slide into authoritarianism, coupled with an unrestrained mining industry, is creating global environmental impacts that the world cannot afford to ignore. If documentary film can do one great shining thing, it is to provide powerful proof of our shared humanity. By illuminating the struggles of ordinary Russians speaking out against their government and the powerful coal-mining industry at great personal risk, Black Snow gives voice to mining communities who must endure the cost of pollution so that the rest of the world can enjoy cheaper energy costs.