Dates & times
All times are local to the venue · America/New York
- From 12:30 PM
Sunday, November 1, 2026, 12:30 p.m. The film section is listed as 192 minutes; no separate end time is announced.
My Undesirable Friends: Part II – Exile traces journalism beyond Moscow
Leaving Russia is not the end of the story in My Undesirable Friends: Part II – Exile. Over four years, Julia Loktev follows dissident journalists who flee Moscow and continue reporting for audiences in their home country while making lives elsewhere.
Reporting from exile
The journalists leave after the shutdown of independent media in Russia, seeking to keep working without being imprisoned. Their reporting includes coverage of Russian war crimes, even as they face threats and are designated extremists and terrorists.
Loktev follows them across multiple countries, including Turkey, Georgia and the Czech Republic. Alongside their work, the film attends to the relationships and choices involved in building a life far from home.
Exile follows Loktev’s My Undesirable Friends: Last Air in Moscow. Film Forum says the newer film can be understood without seeing the earlier one.
Choosing between the chapters
The November 1 matinee presents Chapters 1–3, preceded by a recorded introduction from Meryl Streep. Streep and filmmaker Laura Poitras are the documentary’s executive producers; the introduction is not an in-person appearance.
For viewers considering the full film, Chapters 4–5 have a separate admission and are also scheduled that day, at 4:20 p.m. That screening is listed with a Q&A featuring Loktev and film subjects Ksenia Mironova and Elena Kostyuchenko. The discussion is part of the later event, not the Chapters 1–3 matinee.
Further reading: Film Forum · MY UNDESIRABLE FRIENDS: PART II – EXILE Introduced by Executive Producer Meryl StreepFilm Forum on FacebookFilm Forum on TwitterFilm Forum on InstagramFilm Forum on BlueskyFilm Forum on Letterboxd ↗ · Film Forum · MY UNDESIRABLE FRIENDS: PART II – EXILEFilm Forum on FacebookFilm Forum on TwitterFilm Forum on InstagramFilm Forum on BlueskyFilm Forum on Letterboxd ↗
The matinee
The 12:30 p.m. event covers the first of two separately ticketed sections.
Sunday, November 1, 2026 · Film Forum
- MY UNDESIRABLE FRIENDS: PART II – EXILE, Chapters 1–3; recorded introduction by executive producer Meryl Streep
Before the screening
Book the section you want
Chapters 1–3 cost $18 general admission or $12 for Film Forum members. The cinema also offers $14 tickets to eligible groups, including students, seniors 65 and older, and people with disabilities; some discounts require identification.
Online purchases carry a $1.50 service charge per ticket and stop 15 minutes before showtime. All sales are final, and Film Forum does not admit patrons after the first 20 minutes of a film.
Film Forum · MY UNDESIRABLE FRIENDS: PART II – EXILE Introduced by Executive Producer Meryl StreepFilm Forum on FacebookFilm Forum on TwitterFilm Forum on InstagramFilm Forum on BlueskyFilm Forum on Letterboxd ↗ · Film Forum · TicketsFilm Forum on FacebookFilm Forum on TwitterFilm Forum on InstagramFilm Forum on BlueskyFilm Forum on Letterboxd ↗
At the cinema
Film Forum says all four theaters, the lobby and restrooms are wheelchair accessible on the ground level without stairs. Assistive listening devices are available on request.
Closed-captioning devices are offered for certain titles; ask Film Forum about this screening’s options or accessible seating at 212-727-8112.
Film Forum · Map and DirectionsFilm Forum on FacebookFilm Forum on TwitterFilm Forum on InstagramFilm Forum on BlueskyFilm Forum on Letterboxd ↗ · Film Forum · FAQFilm Forum on FacebookFilm Forum on TwitterFilm Forum on InstagramFilm Forum on BlueskyFilm Forum on Letterboxd ↗
Getting to Film Forum
West Houston Street
Film Forum is at 209 West Houston Street, between Sixth Avenue and Varick Street. Its directions page lists West 4 Street, Spring Street and Houston Street subway stations, as well as the M20, M5 and M21 buses; check current MTA service before traveling.
There are bike racks in front of the theater. Film Forum also lists garages west of the cinema and street parking in the surrounding area; check local signs and parking terms.
Before you make a plan
Do I need to see Last Air in Moscow first?
No. Film Forum says Exile can be followed without seeing the earlier film.
Will Meryl Streep be there in person?
Her introduction to Chapters 1–3 is recorded.
Does the matinee ticket include the rest of the film?
No. Chapters 4–5 require a separate admission. They are scheduled at 4:20 p.m. on November 1 with a Q&A listed for that event.
Film Forum · MY UNDESIRABLE FRIENDS: PART II – EXILE Introduced by Executive Producer Meryl StreepFilm Forum on FacebookFilm Forum on TwitterFilm Forum on InstagramFilm Forum on BlueskyFilm Forum on Letterboxd ↗ · Film Forum · MY UNDESIRABLE FRIENDS: PART II – EXILEFilm Forum on FacebookFilm Forum on TwitterFilm Forum on InstagramFilm Forum on BlueskyFilm Forum on Letterboxd ↗
Are English subtitles provided?
Yes. The film is in Russian with English subtitles.
Location & Google Maps
Film Forum
209 West Houston Street, New York, NY 10014
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.