The title of this competitive section speaks volumes about its thematic focus, centring on a dozen documentaries that address topical issues demanding a mass audience.
This year's lineup boasts exceptional regional diversity, offering glimpses into Taiwan's landscape, delving into the harsh realities of the North Korean regime, and exploring the plight of the Russian opposition against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
In Of Caravan and the Dogs, we witness the challenges faced during wartime by critical opposition movements, which had been navigating complex dynamics even before the outbreak of aggression. Meanwhile, activists in Iran confront similar daunting circumstances, a narrative vividly depicted in Son of the Mullah, which unfolds into a gripping political thriller, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
This section also sheds light on the Belarusian opposition, providing an intimate look inside the headquarters of the presidential candidate in exile Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. In The Accidental President, we follow Lukashenko’s rival in exile in Lithuania, where her team tirelessly provide support to resistance efforts within Belarus. Similarly, Taiwanese head of state Tsai Ing-wen is the focus of the documentary Invisible Nation, which offers a comprehensive overview of the island's complex relationship with China and its ongoing quest for independence.
Adding to the thematic richness of the competition is the Greek documentary Tack, which intersects with the #MeToo movement. The pervasive issue of abuse in sports takes centre stage with the story of a young sailor by the name of Amalia. The film serves as a painful reminder of the challenges victims face when seeking justice through legal channels.
