Documentary
United States of America
The Dissident, directed by Bryan Fogel, is a documentary film that delves into the assassination of Saudi Arabian journalist and Washington Post columnist, Jamal Khashoggi. The film includes interviews with Khashoggi's fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, as well as other activists and experts in the field of human rights and journalism.
The movie traces Khashoggi's journey from his early career as a member of the Saudi elite, working for the royal family, to his eventual exile in the United States, where he began writing critically about the Saudi government and the emerging leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Through interviews with friends, colleagues, and experts, The Dissident explores the broader context of Khashoggi's assassination, including the rise of authoritarianism and censorship in the Middle East and around the world, the role of technology in spreading disinformation and propaganda, and the global indifference to the murder of a journalist.
The film also provides a detailed account of the events leading up to Khashoggi's disappearance and eventual murder inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, including surveillance footage and audio recordings provided by Turkish officials.
Overall, The Dissident is a gripping, thought-provoking examination of the ongoing struggle for free speech and human rights in the face of oppression and violence.
