Story perspectives

Ben Stiller's 'Extremist' Tackles Dissent at Oscars 2025

11/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ben Stiller and John Lesher, producers, executive produced short film Extremist, directed by Alexander Molochnikov, which premiered at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival and competes in the live-action short category at the 98th Academy Awards.
The film features a Russian cast and crew, many in exile for safety.
The film is inspired by artist Sasha Skochilenko, imprisoned for anti-war activism, and explores the personal costs of dissent amid rising censorship.

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Story summary

Ben Stiller and John Lesher, producers, executive produced short film Extremist, directed by Alexander Molochnikov, which premiered at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival and competes in the live-action short category at the 98th Academy Awards.
The film features a Russian cast and crew, many in exile for safety.
The film is inspired by artist Sasha Skochilenko, imprisoned for anti-war activism, and explores the personal costs of dissent amid rising censorship.