Ihor Minaiev’s documentary IZOLYATSIA opens in French cinemas
On 11 November, IZOLYATSIA, a documentary by Ukrainian director Ihor Minaiev, opens in cinemas across France. It is distributed by Pistoleros. This is the film’s first wide theatrical release following its festival screenings.
In 2024, IZOLYATSIA received the Professional Jury Prize at the International History Film Festival in Pessac.
The film tells the story of an insulation materials factory in Donetsk. In 2010, the IZOLYATSIA contemporary art platform was established on its premises. In June 2014, armed groups controlled by the Russian Federation seized the site and turned it into a place of illegal detention, ill-treatment and torture. Through archive footage and the testimonies of those who survived this prison, the film traces three lives of a single place: a Soviet factory, an art centre and a torture site. The number of victims remains unknown.
Paris premiere
On the eve of the release, on 10 November at 8:15 pm, the premiere will take place at the Espace Saint-Michel cinema in Paris (7 place Saint-Michel, Paris 5e). It will be followed by a discussion with the director, the film team and representatives of the human rights organisations Amnesty International France and FIDH – International Federation for Human Rights.
Screenings in other cities
After Paris, the film will be screened in other French cities, some with the director present:
- 13 November, 8:00 pm — Valence, Le Navire cinema, meet the director;
- 14–22 November — Aubenas, as part of the 28th Rencontres des Cinémas d’Europe festival of European cinema;
- 16 November, 8:30 pm — Vernoux-en-Vivarais, meet the director;
- 17 November, 8:30 pm — Lamastre.
The film will also be screened in Guingamp, Lannion and Saint-Donat-sur-l’Herbasse. The up-to-date schedule is available on the film’s AlloCiné page.
Running time: 83 minutes. In Ukrainian with French subtitles; part of the voice-over is in French.
The film contains testimonies of torture that may be distressing.
The IZOLYATSIA Foundation invites everyone in France to attend the screenings and share the news with friends. Every screening helps more people learn about the crimes committed at IZOLYATSIA.
#IzolyatsiaMustSpeak