Since Edward Snowden fled the U.S. after he leaked NSA documents last year, you would think that his life on the run would include hiding out in old, dilapidated motels and wearing an elaborate disguise probably featuring a fanciful mustache. It turns out that is not the case.
The new documentary Citizenfour premiered at the New York Film Festival Friday, Oct. 10, and it shows that Snowden is alive and well and living in Moscow. Not only is the post-whistleblower life not terrible, but it also apparently doesn't ruin relationships.
The big news out of the film is that Snowden's girlfriend Lindsay Mills is living with him in Moscow. Many were appalled when it was reported that Snowden lied to Mills about the purpose of his trip to Hong Kong last year, to which he fled so that The Guardian could reveal his identity as the NSA whistleblower. Most people assumed Snowden left Mills high and dry, but it turns out the two are still going strong and have been since July.
Glenn Greenwald, who was given access to the NSA documents and has been in constant contact with Snowden, wrote about why it matters that Snowden and Mills are living together. Here's part of what Greenwald had to say about the documentary over at The Intercept:
"The fact that he is now living in domestic bliss as well, with his long-term girlfriend whom he loves, should forever put to rest the absurd campaign to depict his life as grim and dank. Snowden not only changed how the world thinks about a number of profoundly important political issues by defying its most powerful government, but then was able to build a happy, healthy and fulfilling life for himself. And if he can do that, so can other whistleblowers, which is precisely why so much effort has been devoted to depicting him in all sorts of false lights."
Greenwald is also featured in Citizenfour, which is the name Snowden used when he initially contacted the director of the film, Academy Award-nominated documentarian Laura Poitras. In the film, Greenwald tells Snowden there is a second leaker, which Snowden is surprised to hear. CNN reported in August that government officials suspected there was a second leaker because Snowden wasn't identified as the source and at least one piece of information was released after Snowden ended his time as an NSA contactor.
When Citizenfour hits theaters on Oct. 24, I have a feeling it will raise more questions than answers.
