Risk

Documentary directed by Laura Poitras about WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. The film examines the story of Assange and how he came to be an internationally notorious figure as well as interviewing him and examining his position in recent events. In 2010 Assange lived in rural Norfolk, England and was trying to avoid extradition to Sweden where he was wanted for questioning regarding accusations of sexual assault.

Following this, Assange sought asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London and continued the regular leaks performed by his organisation. The culmination of his involvement in current affairs came with his precisely timed revelation of unredacted diplomatic cables during the already explosive 2016 United States presidential race. Poitras provides an intimate portrait of Assange and highlights how her own perspective on the man changes as her proximity to him lays bare megalomania and hypocrisy.