Presenting the 2025 festival, I want to share what is on my mind—what troubles me and does not let me find peace.
For three years now, the war in Ukraine has been ongoing. Our society, which initially experienced a moment of unity in the face of full-scale war, is now diverging in its views—on the war itself, its consequences, and the level and forms of support for the country under attack. The search for those to blame—both within and beyond—is also underway. Across the world, and in Europe in particular, politicians are emerging who question the victim’s right to self-defense and the necessity of humanitarian, let alone military, aid.
What does all this have to do with our festival, you may ask? But a moment’s reflection is enough to recognize that among all forms of cultural expression, documentary cinema is at the forefront of addressing the most urgent questions of our time. Our festival, which has always focused on both the roots of evil and its spread across the world, has traditionally paid close attention to independent filmmaking in authoritarian countries, as well as to the full spectrum of cinema in nations targeted by aggression.
Yet, we increasingly hear signals from society: Why? Enough. If not entertainment, then at least shift to a more neutral agenda. We also receive indirect accusations of practicing so-called “soft power” simply because we provide a platform for opposition artists and persecuted filmmakers from Russia and Belarus. Why should we look in that direction? We don’t want to know what’s happening there. We believe that even a critical perspective on our eastern neighbors’ realities fosters compassion—and thus, sympathy for our enemy.
One may disagree with this stance, but one cannot simply dismiss it—especially given that certain political forces stand behind it. Through the festival itself—its program, the discussions within it, and even the atmosphere beyond the official selection—we aim to initiate an open dialogue about the role of the artist in times of historical tragedy.
We understand that no one here will seek to destroy us as they did when Artdocfest existed in Russia. But we want to be heard and understood within the society in which we live—and with which we stand on the same side of the barricades.
Welcome to IDFF Artdocfest/Riga 2025.
VITALY MANSKY
President of the IDFF “Artdocfest/Riga”