Sergei Loznitsa’s “Two Prosecutors” Examines Soviet Injustice
Set in the Soviet Union during the height of the Great Purge in 1937, Sergei Loznitsa’s historical drama, Two Prosecutors, adapts Georgy Demidov’s novella into a tense exploration of a system built on repression. The film, starring Aleksandr Kuznetsov and Aleksandr Filippenko, follows a young prosecutor whose faith in the Soviet system is challenged as he investigates the imprisonment of an Old Bolshevik.
A Warning from History
Since its premiere at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, Two Prosecutors has been lauded as a timely and relevant work. Loznitsa himself expressed surprise at the film’s reception, particularly in the United States. He noted that while the film’s themes resonate deeply with countries that have experienced similar historical struggles, its warning may be less immediately apparent in a nation with a different historical trajectory. Two Prosecutors
Beyond Individual Stories: The System Itself
Loznitsa’s filmmaking approach prioritizes the examination of systemic structures over individual psychology. This is a common thread throughout his work, seen in films like Donbass (2018), A Gentle Creature (2017) and State Funeral (2019). He aims to reveal the “logic of the system” by focusing on how individuals navigate and are shaped by it.
From Documentary to Fiction: A Shared Concern with Justice
Two Prosecutors evolved from Loznitsa’s 2018 documentary, The Trial, which reconstructed the proceedings against engineers and economists falsely accused of economic sabotage. The fresh film explores the fate of those individuals after their wrongful convictions, delving into the realities of the Soviet prison system. Loznitsa seamlessly moves between documentary and fiction, bringing a unique ethical perspective to both forms. He notes that documentary filmmaking carries a specific ethical responsibility to the individuals depicted, a constraint not present in fiction.
Collaboration and Efficiency
Loznitsa frequently collaborates with the same team, including cinematographer Oleg Mutu, known for his work on Romanian New Wave films. Their long-standing working relationship, beginning in 2009, allows for a streamlined production process. Two Prosecutors was filmed in just 18 days, a testament to the efficiency of this collaborative approach.
A Background in Mathematics
Before becoming a filmmaker, Loznitsa held a degree in applied mathematics and worked as a researcher in artificial intelligence. He believes this background in abstract thinking has informed his approach to cinema, viewing a film frame as a projection that gains meaning through its relationship to others, much like mathematical objects.
Navigating Artistic Freedom
In March 2022, Loznitsa faced controversy when he was expelled from the Ukrainian Film Academy for opposing a blanket boycott of Russian art. This occurred after his documentary, Babi Yar. Context, was cited in the academy’s denunciation of him. Loznitsa also resigned from the European Film Academy over what he perceived as a weak response to Russian aggression.
Release Information
Two Prosecutors premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2025, winning the François Chalais Prize. It was released in Germany on February 19, 2026, and is currently in cinemas as of March 27th.