Citizenfour

In January 2013, Laura Poitras, a documentary filmmaker, receives an encrypted email from a mysterious figure known as Citizenfour. This email ignites her journey into the dark world of surveillance programs linked to the September 11 attacks and sets the stage for a major revelation about government activities.

The email from Citizenfour contains insider information about illegal wiretapping conducted by the NSA and other intelligence entities. Poitras is captivated and compelled to meet this person to uncover the truth behind these alarming surveillance practices.

By June 2013, Laura Poitras travels to Hong Kong with journalist Glenn Greenwald and *The Guardian* reporter Ewen MacAskill. They meet Citizenfour in a hotel room, where he reveals himself to be Edward Snowden, an iconic moment marked by secrecy and tension as the group embarks on a crucial dialogue.

Over the next four days, Poitras conducts intense interviews with Snowden, capturing deep insights into his rationale for exposing the NSA's surveillance. These encounters take place in a charged atmosphere, with Snowden appearing increasingly fraught under the weight of his revelations.

On June 9, after thorough discussions, Snowden shares his intent to go public with the sensitive information he possesses. This decision triggers a media frenzy that begins to uncover his location at the Mira Hotel, putting him at greater risk of exposure.

To avoid unwanted attention and intense media scrutiny, Snowden relocates to Laura Poitras' hotel room. Here, he navigates the precarious balance of staying hidden while preparing to expose profound truths about government surveillance.

Facing the prospect of extradition, Snowden organizes a meeting with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to seek asylum. Meanwhile, Poitras senses that she is being watched, which prompts her to leave Hong Kong for safety.

On June 21, 2013, the United States government issues an extradition request for Edward Snowden, heightening the tension of his situation. This request forces Snowden into a precarious game of cat and mouse with authorities seeking to silence him.

After managing to escape from Hong Kong, Snowden finds himself stranded at Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow. This unexpected turn of events unfolds over 40 days while his US passport is revoked, preventing him from reaching his intended destination.

On August 1, 2013, Russian authorities grant Edward Snowden temporary asylum for one year. This reprieve allows him a moment of safety amidst the international uproar surrounding his leaked revelations about NSA surveillance practices.

Following his return to Rio de Janeiro, Glenn Greenwald publicly addresses the extensive misuse of NSA surveillance capabilities. His revelations amplify the ongoing discussions about privacy and governmental overreach, aimed at informing the public about these serious issues.

As the fallout from Snowden’s leaks continues, both Greenwald and Poitras maintain correspondence, sharing their mutual fears about returning to the United States. Their communications reflect a broader concern regarding the implications of their work in exposing classified information.

Throughout the documentary, NSA whistleblower William Binney provides critical insights into the agency's operations, speaking to the depth of surveillance procedures. His testimony extends to the German Parliament, where he discusses NSA espionage activities in Germany.

The film culminates in a significant reunion in Russia between Poitras, Snowden, and Greenwald. Gathered together, they engage in a cautious discussion about their findings, taking care to jot down sensitive information rather than speaking it aloud, showcasing their awareness of the risks involved.

In a moment of deliberation, Greenwald tears apart sensitive documents during their reunion. This act symbolizes the precarious nature of the information they possess, as they meticulously destroy evidence of their discussions while still holding on to the truths they've uncovered.