Ben Stiller Joins Forces with Exiled Filmmaker for Oscar Contender Short

LOS ANGELES, CA — Award-winning director and actor Ben Stiller is joining forces with exiled Russian filmmaker Alexander Molochnikov as an executive producer for the short film “Extremist.” This collaboration highlights the film’s bold exploration of anti-war activism, a topic gaining urgency amid rising censorship in Russia.

Filmed in Europe with a talented Russian cast and crew, many of whom are currently living in exile, “Extremist” tells the true story of Sasha Skochilenko. The artist was arrested in Russia for replacing price tags with anti-war messages, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence.

Stiller praised the film, stating, “Alexander’s stunning film is a riveting, cinematic experience that immerses us in the tragedy of anti-war art and activism in Russia where the human right to free speech comes into conflict with an authoritarian system.”

Molochnikov, who faced threats after criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine in 2022, relocated to the U.S. and graduated from Columbia University’s directing program in 2025. His past work includes directing operas and ballets at the Bolshoi Theatre.

The film, produced by Jean Chapiro and Forma Pro Film, stars Viktoria Moroshnichenko, Tinatin Dalakishvili, veteran actress Lilian Malkina, and Arthur Smolyaninov. In addition to Stiller, notable executive producers include Ramin Bahrani and Odessa Rae.

<p"Extremist" premiered at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival and received awards at various events, including two BAFTA Student Film Awards and an Oscar-qualifying Jury Prize at the New Hampshire Film Festival. It has also been granted the National Board of Review’s 2025 NBR Student Grant.

Molochnikov stressed the universal relevance of the film, saying, “This is the story of all those who have lived and continue to live in Russia, disagreeing with its policies. It is a story that could become an American one tomorrow.”