Dmitry Muratov, the Nobel Prize Winning editor of Novaya Gazeta is to attend Sheffield DocFest.
Muratov, the Editor of independent Russian newspaper, Novaya Gazeta will be at the screening of The Price of Truth, which is followed by a conversation with director, Patrick Forbes. The film tells the story of the journalist and the importance of free speech and journalism.
“Freedom of the press is more important than ever before, and at this year’s festival we celebrate all those who continue to champion and uphold values of truth telling, integrity and holding power to account,” said Raul Niño Zambrano, Creative Director, Sheffield DocFest.
“We are honoured to have Dmitry Muratov and Patrick with us in-person at this year’s festival, as part of this important film in our international competition”
Muratov was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize 3 months before Russia invaded Ukraine and said he would auction his medal and donate the proceeds to Ukrainian refugees. Days later, a masked attacker poured paint, laced with acetone over him, permanently damaging Muratov’s sight.
The auction still went ahead, raising $103m.
6 Novaya Gazeta journalists, including Anna Politkovskaya, have previously been murdered, yet Muratov continues to use his position to attack the Putin regime.
“We’re enormously proud about this film that brings humanity and understanding to how the independent press are trying to work within Russia during a time of conflict,” said Sacha Mirzoeff, the documentary’s commissioner at Channel 4.
“Its protagonist, the noble prize-winning Dmitry Muratov of Novaya Gazeta has become a figure-head for independent journalists around the world in an age of increasingly controlled media. Having him present at DocFest for the international premiere of our film seems a perfect match.”
