The Accidental President | Dokumentale 2025

GERMAN PREMIERE

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya never wanted to be a politician - until her husband is arrested for challenging Belarusian President Lukashenko. She takes up the fight against the authoritarian regime and for the freedom of her country. Officially, her opponent wins the election - but was it really fair? Despite threats, she continues to fight for a free Belarus. The film provides exclusive insights into Tsikhanouskaya's path to becoming an opposition leader and shows the hope of an entire nation for democracy. A moving story about courage, justice and resistance against dictatorship.

Content note: Contains footage of violence against demonstrators and political activists.

The Accidental President
Mike Lerner, Martin Herring / Great Britain / 2024 / 90 min.

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GERMAN PREMIERE

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya never planned to enter politics-until her husband was jailed for challenging Lukashenko. She takes on the fight against an authoritarian regime, against violence, and for the freedom of her country. Officially, her opponent wins the election - but was it truly fair? Despite threats, she continues her fight for a free Belarus. With unprecedented access, this film follows her extraordinary journey from teacher to opposition leader, capturing the hopes of a nation yearning for democracy. A powerful story of courage, justice, and the fight against dictatorship.

Content notice: Contains images of violence against protestors and political activists.

The Accidental President
Mike Lerner, Martin Herring / United Kingdom / 2024 / 90 min