The Rise of Wagner
Synopsis
This is the story of a clandestine military organization, the armed arm of a world power and its iron-fisted leader hoping to extend his influence around the world through the end of 2022. At a time when many cards are being reshuffled on the international scene, Russia is determined to make its mark. The country has established an army of mercenaries to wage underground wars known as the «Wagner Group.» Officially, this army does not exist. It can thus escape international law. In this world, nothing is forbidden, including the worst human rights violations.
This documentary tells the impact this army has had on our world and the risks it poses to international security. Vladimir Putin clearly understands the interest of weakening Western democracies — his rivals — by sowing chaos. Wagner is one of the weapons he uses to destabilize the world and plunge it into uncertainty. But this film also tells the story of the struggle of courageous citizens whose fates have been dramatically impacted by the existence of this secret group and who are risking their lives to shed light on this secret army. Their story deserves to be known.

Filmmakers
Benoît Bringer
France
2022
104 minutes
French, English, & Arabic