IDFA 1999
The Making of a New Empire
Jos de Putter
Netherlands
1999
98 min
n.a.
Khozh-Ahmed Noukhaev is the leader of the Chechen independence movement. A charismatic man who, sitting at a chessboard, goes over the political and military strategy with his advisers. His country, with the capital Groznyy, has been called ‘the Wild West’ for the last four hundred years; since the disintegration of the Soviet Union, anarchy rules and some say that the Mafia is governing the country. Filmmaker Jos de Putter was given a free hand to follow and film this self-appointed leader, who is continuously surrounded by bodyguards, from close by. The Chechen culture appears to be a mishmash of ancient religious rituals, which sharply contrast with Noukhaev’s modern leisure clothes.We see how Noukhaev pays a visit to England with president Maskhadov, where they are welcomed by Margaret Thatcher. The disparity between the war-torn city of Groznyy and the strictly arranged, rectilinear streets of the English capital has been captured tellingly and acutely. Is Noukhaev a cunning Mafia boss or a staunch idealist? Jos de Putter leaves it unresolved.
Credits
World Sales
Films Transit International Inc.,
Jan Rofekamp
Films Transit International Inc.,
Jan Rofekamp
Distribution
Lava Filmdistribution and Sales
Lava Filmdistribution and Sales
Docs Contact
Screening copy
Jura Filmprodukties
Jura Filmprodukties
Director
Production
Cinematography
Screenplay