About the film
The Making of a New Empire is a 1999 documentary film directed by Dutch filmmaker Jos de Putter and produced by Jura Films. Running 95 minutes, it portrays Khozh-Ahmed Noukhaev as the founder of an underground movement based in Moscow that later became known as the Chechen mafia. The film examines Noukhaev’s cultural background and his ideas about Chechnya’s future.
Its subject combines political, cultural and organized-crime perspectives through a portrait of one central figure. The film was nominated for the Golden Calf for best long documentary after its release and appeared in competition programs at documentary festivals including Hot Docs and IDFA. The Netherlands production is categorized as a documentary film, with de Putter credited as both maker and director.
Viewers interested in Chechen identity, underground movements, or documentary portraits of controversial political figures may find its focus especially relevant.
Who it is for
It suits viewers exploring Chechen cultural identity, underground movements, and documentary portraits of controversial figures. Students studying 1990s European documentaries may also find its subject useful.
Worth knowing
- 95-minute focused documentary portrait
- Examines Chechen cultural background
- Explores ideas about Chechnya’s future
- Directed by Jos de Putter
- Produced by Jura Films
Before you press play
- Focuses on a controversial underground movement
- Released in 1999
The short of it
The Making of a New Empire offers a concentrated look at Noukhaev, his cultural context, and his political ideas. Its 95-minute format keeps the subject centered on one movement and its founder.