Freedom to hate
Description
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ray Errol Fox took extraordinary personal risks documenting the new form of anti-Semitism emerging in the former Soviet Union. While Russian anti-Semitism has been a constant in that country s troubled history, it has been unleashed with disturbing virulence by the nationalist movement, "Pamyat." The freedom unleashed by Glasnost, Gorbachev and Yeltsin has included the freedom to hate. The popularity of ultranationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky is the logical extension of that hatred. Organized black-shirted hate groups are observed spearheading a grass-roots movement against their traditional Jewish scapegoats. Clandestinely made footage shows Pamyat thugs taking over a Writers Union meeting. Pamyat spokesmen stir up and enlist their working class sympathizers with anti-Semitic statements at a town meeting. A rare interview with a KGB major general exposes the present government s indifference to the threatening situation. While Russian Jews now have the freedom to emigrate, they are often victimized in the process. Although there are voices raised in defense of the Jews, such as that of "Babi Yar" poet Yevtushenko, the potential for tragedy is disturbingly imminent. This is a film for anyone concerned with the emergence of neo-fascism and religious hatred wherever they may occur. The filmmaker is available for speaking engagements with the film.
Runtime
59 min
Subjects
Geography
Genre
Date of Publication
1994
Database
Alexander Street
Direct Link
Similar Films
Papua New Guinea, Dancing on Fire
The devil dancers
Islam
Primary RE
The Islamic City
Passing Shadows
Manji
The Lives Of Jesus. The Hidden Jesus
Big ideas for small people
Episode 1, Ancient Origins (Diaspora Nations, The Jewish Diaspora)
Islam
The Troupe
Tolerance on Trial, Episode 4
Crazywise, Rethinking Madness - Psychosis and Spiritual Awakening
Washington, Seixas, and Giving Thanks