The DOCVILLE documentary festival in Leuven has canceled two films following death threats and intimidation. One of the withdrawn documentaries is “Not In My Country, Serbia’s Lithium Dilemma,” which examines the extensive protests in Serbia against the proposed Jadar lithium mine. The second film, “Russians at War,” faced criticism for being perceived as pro-Russian propaganda.kuleuven.sim2.be
“Not In My Country” delves into the environmental and geopolitical tensions surrounding the Jadar Valley lithium project. The documentary raises questions about potential Russian hybrid warfare techniques influencing opposition since mid-2020, a concern also highlighted in a Wall Street Journal report. kuleuven.sim2.be
DOCVILLE’s director, Frank Moens, expressed surprise at the unprecedented situation, noting that in the festival’s 21 editions, there had never been a need to withdraw films. He remarked, “I believe it says something about the spirit of the times. Everyone is just shouting in their own bubble.”
Previously, KU Leuven Rector Prof. Luc Sels expressed sadness over the missed opportunity for an evidence-based discussion on the science and technology of the Jadar lithium project. The film’s creators aimed to facilitate a factual conversation about the project’s scientific and technical aspects, separate from the geopolitical controversies and mass demonstrations against Serbia’s regime. They sought to address topics central to the film but often overlooked by opponents, such as the differences between lithium minerals and other ores, comparisons between jadarite and spodumene, environmental considerations of jadarite extraction, and the potential development of a Serbian mine-to-electric vehicle value chain.
Ironically, the campaign against “Not In My Country” has heightened interest in the documentary, leading to increased views, reports, and interviews. This surge in attention underscores the complexities and sensitivities surrounding discussions of mining projects and environmental activism in Europe.
