In late 2010, members of the Free Theater of Belarus lived through a real-life espionage thriller—when massive protests erupted after a rigged election (the country is often described as the last remaining dictatorship in Europe), the government responded with a brutal crackdown, forcing the underground theater company to sneak out of the country and to New York. This absorbing and harrowing documentary, including footage that had to be smuggled out of the country, is a piercing look at the history of an oppressive regime and the most subversive thing that bold protest and bold art can inspire in people living through day-to-day desperation—hope. (BRENDAN KILEY)

Dangerous Acts Starring the Unstable Elements of Belarus plays today at the Pacific Place at 9:30 pm.

Check out the rest of our recommended SIFF films for today right here.