NEW YORK (Friday, December 5, 2025) – Extremist, the powerful and internationally acclaimed live action short film from director Alexander Molochnikov, is now available to stream on The New Yorker’s website and The New Yorker’s YouTube channel. The release marks a significant moment for a film already recognized as one of the year’s most urgent and impactful works, and an in-depth interview with Molochnikov was also published today to accompany the launch.
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A Film Born from Courage and Defiance
Extremist is inspired by the true story of Sasha Skochilenko, a Russian artist and musician who was sentenced to seven years in prison for replacing four supermarket price tags with discreet anti-war messages. What might seem like a small act of dissent becomes, in the film, a profound exploration of the personal cost of resistance in an increasingly authoritarian environment. Through its intimate storytelling, Extremist confronts the fragility of freedom and the immense pressures placed on individuals who dare to speak out.
The story resonated deeply with director Alexander Molochnikov, who himself fled Russia after publicly condemning the country’s invasion of Ukraine. Formerly a director at the Bolshoi Theatre, Molochnikov lost his position and was forced to leave his homeland in 2022. His personal experience with political persecution shaped the emotional and artistic backbone of the film.
Celebrated Across the Global Festival Circuit
Since its premiere at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival, Extremist has collected a remarkable array of awards and honors. These include:
- Two BAFTA Student Film Awards – Best Live Action Film & Jury Prize
- Oscar-qualifying Jury Prize, 2025 New Hampshire Film Festival
- National Board of Review’s 2025 Student Grant
- The Gotham’s Focus Features Short Film Showcase Award
The film’s growing acclaim has positioned it as a prominent contender in this year’s Oscar race for Best Live Action Short Film.
An Extraordinary Creative Team
Extremist showcases an impressive roster of filmmaking talent. The film is written and directed by Alexander Molochnikov, a Russian-American storyteller known for his bold, humanistic cinematic approach.
Its striking visual language comes from renowned cinematographer Mikhail Krichman, celebrated for his work in Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Leviathan, Loveless, The End, and Vermiglio.
The cast includes:
- Viktoria Moroshnichenko (Beanpole, Limonov)
- Tinatin Dalakishvili (Extraction 2, Hostages, Medea)
- Lilian Malkina, the 87-year-old veteran actress
- Arthur Smolyaninov
The film is produced by Jean Chapiro and FormaProFilm, and its executive producers include an impressive lineup of award-winning industry figures:
- Ben Stiller, DGA and Emmy-winning director/producer
- John Lesher, Academy Award-winning producer (Birdman)
- Ramin Bahrani, Oscar-nominated director (The White Tiger)
- Odessa Rae, Oscar-winning producer (Navalny)
- Rick Schwartz, producer (Black Swan)
- Sheryl Crown, BAFTA-winning producer (Searching for Sugar Man)
A Warning for the World, Not Just Russia
Paul Moakley, Executive Producer of Video at The New Yorker, described the film as “a prescient warning about the rising tide of authoritarianism, not only in Russia but around the world.” That sentiment echoes the film’s underlying message: dissent, however small, carries enormous weight in times of repression.
Molochnikov himself spoke to the film’s deeper meaning, calling Sasha Skochilenko “a hero of our time,” adding:
“It’s not just that Sasha changed price tags, but that when the entire power of the Russian ‘justice’ system came down upon her, she did not break.”
He continued, noting that the film reflects the lived reality of countless individuals who oppose injustice under threatening political systems. And though rooted in Russian events, the film’s themes are universal:
“This message is not only for Russians and about Russians. Authoritarian power comes subtly. One can miss the moment when the choice is before you: to compromise or to stick to your principles.”
A Film the World Needs to See
Executive producers Ben Stiller and John Lesher emphasized the global importance of the film, stating:
“Alexander’s stunning film Extremist is a riveting, cinematic experience… We strongly believe that people around the world need to see this film.”
As Extremist continues its festival tour and embarks on an unexpected but well-deserved awards campaign, its release on The New Yorker brings the film to a wider audience at a pivotal moment.
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