Waiting for Invasion

Al Jazeera

★★★★ THE GUARDIAN “Heartbreaking” | ★★★★ THE DAILY MAIL “Deeply personal” | ★★★★  THE TELEGAPH |  ★★★★ TV TIMES | Pick of the Day THE OBSERVER “Heartbreaking, unflinching”

In January 2015 Lithuania became the nineteenth member state of the Eurozone. Two months later Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė announced that the country was under Russian attack. Since the Russian annexation of Crimea (Ukraine), Lithuania considers that it has become the next target. The country has been subject to multiple cyber-attacks, intimidation by Russian bombers and unidentified planes, diplomatic battles and threats. The airspace above the Baltic States is now one of the most dangerous in the world. Just 26 years after gaining independence from Russia, Lithuania fears occupation again. Europe’s leaders have agreed that further defence is necessary. NATO is setting up a command post with a rapid reaction force in Lithuania, where British and American soldiers will provide support to defend the border of NATO States. Lithuania has decided to reintroduce conscription; they are preparing to defend themselves from the possibility of Russian aggression. The idea of compulsory military training has divided society.

Directed and produced by Neringa Medutyte, this documentary tells the story of young men preparing for war, as their parents and grandparents once did.

Funders

PARTIALLY FUNDED BY Lithuanian Film Centre and Lithuanian National Radio and Television

 

Credits

Director Neringa Medutyte
Executive Producer James Rogan
Co-Producer Lukas Trimonis

 

 

Broadcast Details

The film was broadcast on Al Jazeera English on 15th February 2017, and continues to be available to watch on Al Jazeera’s website and YouTube.

Articles about the film

Waiting for Invasion – Watch our latest feature documentary on Al Jazeera HD at 8pm on 15th February 2017

“This film is a timely reminder of just how much is at stake in Eastern Europe as tensions rise between Russia and the West. This is a story of innocence lost for a generation of young Europeans.”… read more

The Making of Waiting for Invasion – An Interview with Neringa Medutyte, Director

Commissioned by Al Jazeera, Waiting for Invasion is Rogan Productions’ latest feature documentary directed by Neringa Medutyte… read more