Witness – The Fight to Publish

The power of journalism lies in the ability to bring to light the stories that matter. For the team at the Kazakh opposition newspaper Respublika, this mission is a daily battle against a government that has maintained a firm grip on power since independence in 1991. Despite offices being firebombed, staff being beaten, kidnapped, imprisoned, and exiled, the paper remains one of the few dissenting voices in the country.

“Witness: The Fight to Publish” follows journalist Zhanara as she covers the stories that matter from her base in Almaty. When breaking news of the riots in Zhanaozen takes her to the aftermath of the bloodiest day in Kazakhstan’s modern history, we are given a glimpse into the tireless efforts of journalists in the pursuit of truth.

This film sheds light on the challenges faced by journalists in their mission to bring us the stories that matter. It highlights the resilience and dedication required to bring these stories to the public, even in the face of adversity. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of free press and the role it plays in holding those in power accountable.