Watch Mediastan

Mediastan is a 2013 documentary film directed by Johannes Wahlström. The film follows a small group of independent journalists who embark on a journey to Central Asia to explore the state of free press in the region. The journalists are headed by two significant individuals - Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, and Russian journalist Vladamir Gubanov. They travel through Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, meeting with local journalists and press freedom activists to document their struggles and challenges.

The documentary is a unique blend of journalism and travelogue, with the filmmakers providing an insider's look at how difficult it is to practice independent journalism in Central Asia. Along the way, they encounter a government that is hostile to press freedom, where authorities regularly harass, intimidate, and imprison journalists for speaking out against injustice. The film provides insight into the region's deep-rooted corruption, which affects everything from individuals' day-to-day lives to larger geopolitical issues.

The journey of the journalists is not without risk. They sneak into countries and meet with journalists and activists who put themselves in danger by speaking out against their oppressive governments. The film shows that despite the risks, these individuals are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in.

Throughout the film, the journalists discover that there is a desperate need for investigative and independent journalism within the region. With the pandemic of fake news and state-sponsored propaganda, accurate and reliable journalism is more critical than ever before. Mediastan shows that a more open society can only be achieved when the press is allowed to do its job without censorship or government interference.

One of the most intriguing elements of the documentary is the presence of Julian Assange. Although he is not the protagonist of the movie, his presence adds significant weight to the film. As one of the world's most famous whistleblowers, his contribution to the film is an affirmation of the importance of a free press to hold governments accountable.

Mediastan is not just a documentary about journalism in Central Asia. It's an excellent example of how filmmakers can tell a deeply profound story that needs to be told. The journey that the filmmakers take is engaging and informative, and as the story unfolds, viewers cannot help but feel a sense of admiration for the journalists and activists that fight for press freedom in some of the world's most difficult regions.

The film is not just a call to action for journalists or human rights activists- it's a call for action for anyone who values free speech and democracy. It highlights the importance of keeping governments accountable and illustrates how a free press is essential to a functioning democracy.

In conclusion, Mediastan is an essential documentary film that exposes the dire state of press freedom, not just in Central Asia, but around the world. The documentary is a vital and thought-provoking piece that underscores the critical role that journalism plays in democracies. It's a must-watch for anyone who values their rights to free speech and who wants to gain a greater understanding of the perils of independent journalism in a rapidly changing world.

Mediastan is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.