or


[09/16/14 - 07:57 AM]
"Hunted: The War Against Gays in Russia," A Startling Expose of Anti-Gay Violence, Debuts Oct. 6 on HBO
Matt Bomer narrates the film, which looks at this climate of hostility.

[via press release from HBO]

"HUNTED: THE WAR AGAINST GAYS IN RUSSIA," A STARTLING EXPOSE OF ANTI-GAY VIOLENCE, DEBUTS OCT. 6 ON HBO

In modern-day Russia, where it is estimated that just 1% of the LGBT population lives completely openly, a recent anti-gay amendment to a "propaganda" law has triggered a rising number of assaults on gay men and women by vigilantes who, more often than not, go unpunished for their crimes.

Directed by Ben Steele, the startling expose HUNTED: THE WAR AGAINST GAYS IN RUSSIA looks at this climate of hostility when it debuts MONDAY, OCT. 6 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Matt Bomer (Emmy(R) nominee for HBO's "The Normal Heart") narrates.

Other HBO playdates: Oct. 6 (3:30 a.m.), 9 (2:50 a.m.) and 14 (12:20 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Oct. 12 (1:15 p.m., 2:45 a.m.), 16 (8:00 p.m., 1:30 a.m.) and 22 (1:00 p.m., 11:00 p.m.)

Homosexuality was legalized in Russia 21 years ago, but gay people in the country have yet to win mainstream acceptance. In fact, attitudes in Russia appear to be moving backwards. With jobs and relationships at risk if their sexual orientation is exposed, most gay Russians remain closeted. As one gay man who lost sight in one eye during a recent unprovoked attack says ruefully, "Hunting season is open... and we are the hunted."

HUNTED: THE WAR AGAINST GAYS IN RUSSIA features disturbing insider footage of homophobic Russians who, in the name of morality or religion, beat and torment gay people, posting graphic videos of their encounters online with few or no legal repercussions. These vigilantes see homosexuality as related to pedophilia, stating publicly that their justification for violence is protecting Russia's children.

Since members of the gay community are afraid to live openly in Russia, groups like Occupy Pedophilia - whose members inaccurately claim that sexual abuse of children is most often committed by homosexuals - have been looking to root them out via the Internet. Posing as interested suitors, anti-gay activists "bait" unsuspecting men and women to rendezvous at apartments or public places, then harass, beat and humiliate victims, often urinating on them. Recordings of these encounters, along with forced admissions of homosexuality, are posted on the internet to "out" the victim and make his or her life "a living hell."

Disturbing footage of a man's harassment at the hands of a St. Petersburg vigilante branch, led by a woman named Katya, makes it clear that victims can do little to bring their tormenters to justice. Police rarely investigate such crimes, and there is no such thing as a gay hate crime in Russia. Meanwhile, the Russian Orthodox Church, which serves as a moral compass to millions of followers, condemns homosexuality.

Gay parents live in fear that the government will take steps to strengthen current laws and grant authorities the power to take away their children. Pro-gay activists are hindered by ordinances blocking them from mentioning homosexuality on picket signs or assembling in groups. Even straight sympathizers have found themselves and their livelihoods in jeopardy; Yekaterina, a teacher, says the new laws have triggered "a witch hunt." In a country where the government and President Vladimir Putin have embraced an anti-gay stance, the feeling is that "the anti-gay forces are gaining momentum - and no one knows just how far the authorities will go."

British filmmaker Ben Steele has worked on an eclectic mix of documentaries over the past ten years, including "The Trouble with Working Women," "Remembering Mum" and "Posh and Posher."

HUNTED: THE WAR AGAINST GAYS IN RUSSIA is a presentation of HBO Documentary Films; filmed, written & directed by Ben Steele; narrated by Matt Bomer; executive producers, Karen Edwards and Fiona Stourton. For HBO: senior producer, Nancy Abraham; executive producer, Sheila Nevins.





  [september 2014]  
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
 


· SHOWATCH
(series past and present)
· DEVWATCH
(series in development)
· MOVIEWATCH
(tv movies and mini-series)





[10/30/25 - 11:03 AM]
Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Orange County" Three-Part Reunion Begins Thursday, Nov. 6 at 8 P.M. ET/PT
Host Andy Cohen is joined by Shannon Storms Beador, Heather Dubrow, Tamra Judge, Gina Kirschenheiter, Emily Simpson, Jennifer Pedranti and Katie Ginella to reflect on an emotionally charged season 19 that led to shifting alliances and broken trust within the group.

[10/30/25 - 10:52 AM]
Video: National Geographic Documentary Films Unveils Trailer and Theatrical Release Dates for Award-Winning "The Tale of Silyan"
The award-winning documentary will make its theatrical debut this fall, opening in select U.S. theaters on November 28 and in U.K. cinemas on December 12.

[10/30/25 - 10:33 AM]
FX's "Adults" Renewed for Second Season on Hulu
The comedy follows a group of twenty-somethings in New York trying to be good people, despite being neither "good" nor "people" yet.

[10/30/25 - 10:01 AM]
Hulu's "King of the Hill" Renewed for Seasons 16 and 17
The upcoming 15th season of "King of the Hill" will premiere on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the US, and on Disney+ internationally in 2026.

[10/30/25 - 09:30 AM]
Video: Starz Unveils Trailer Full of Sex and Slaughter for "Spartacus: House of Ashur" Premiering December 5
The outrageous new chapter in the world of "Spartacus" debuts with a two-episode premiere on Friday, December 5.

[10/30/25 - 08:06 AM]
ID November Programming Highlights
Look for newcomers "The Rocky Mountain Mortician Murder" and "Who Hired the Hitman?" alongside new seasons of "Body Cam" and "The Murder Tapes."

[10/30/25 - 06:38 AM]
FOX Nation to Premiere Season II of "Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints" on Sunday, November 16
Hosted, narrated and executive produced by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Martin Scorsese, the exclusive docudrama continues to illuminate the extraordinary lives of men and women who risked everything to embody humanity's most noble and complex trait - faith.

[10/30/25 - 06:01 AM]
Video: "Stranger Things 5" - Official Trailer - Netflix
With Hawkins under lockdown, El in hiding and danger lurking at every turn, the entire party unites with a single goal: to hunt and kill Vecna.

[10/30/25 - 12:01 AM]
Deck the Halls This Holiday Season with Apple TV
Get in the spirit with originals including "The Velveteen Rabbit," "Spirited" and "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse," and themed specials from "The Snoopy Show," "Frog and Toad," "Shape Island," "Fraggle Rock," "Eva the Owlet" and more!

[10/29/25 - 11:43 PM]
Video: "Baramulla" - Official Trailer - Netflix
A dark secret comes to light. If you saw the truth, would you believe it?

[10/29/25 - 04:03 PM]
UPtv Adds Two More Premiere Movies to Its "Most Uplifting Christmas Ever" Lineup
The new titles just added to the lineup are "A Soldier for Christmas" premiering Saturday, November 8 at 7 p.m. ET and "The Best Thing About Christmas" premiering Saturday, December 20 at 8 p.m. ET.

[10/29/25 - 02:11 PM]
NBC Unveils Lineup of New and Returning Beloved Holiday Programming
"These holiday events and specials bring audiences together in ways nothing else can," said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events and Specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment. "NBC is your home for heartwarming traditions, joyful celebrations, and unforgettable moments."

[10/29/25 - 11:37 AM]
FOX Entertainment Studios Inks First-Look Deal with Golden Globe-Winning and Academy Award and Emmy-Nominated Powerhouse Taraji P. Henson's TPH Entertainment
Under this partnership, Henson will serve as executive producer and content originator for both scripted and unscripted television programming, spanning comedy, drama, and reality formats.

[10/29/25 - 10:01 AM]
Netflix Wins Hostage Thriller "Rabbit, Rabbit" in a Competitive Situation; Orders Hot Package Straight to Series
Starring Adam Driver, the series comes from writer Peter Craig and director Philip Barantini.

[10/29/25 - 10:00 AM]
Acorn TV's Fan Favorite Crime Drama "Harry Wild" Returns for a Feature-Length Special on November 24
The special will wrap up season four of the series where, after an apparent poisoning occurs at Vicky's (Danielle Ryan) and Cormac's (Muiris Crowley) wedding, Harry (Jane Seymour) springs into action, alongside the FBI.