Ukrainian cultural institutions react to European Film Festival returning to Russia

A number of Ukrainian cultural institutions responded to the statement of the EU Delegation to Russia on the resumption of the European Film Festival, including the Ministry of Culture, the Ukrainian Institute, the State Film Agency and the Ukrainian Film Academy.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture noted in its statement that they consider this announcement "an unfortunate misunderstanding" and are convinced that it is important to continue the sanctions policy in the cultural sphere in relation to the Russian Federation.

"It is essential for the entire European community to be united and resolute in countering the evil that the aggressor-state has become today. Millions of people suffer from [Russia's] actions, with 835 cultural heritage sites and 1,702 cultural infrastructure objects destroyed, which hold not only value for Ukraine but are also part of European and global cultural heritage. Therefore, restoring cultural dialogue with the aggressor-state under these circumstances is unacceptable," the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture also wrote in its appeal.

The Ukrainian Institute supported the call to abandon the plans to conduct the festival in Russia. In their address, they also stressed that Russia uses all possible spheres of influence in order to conduct disinformation campaigns. In particular, these are the spheres of sports, culture and scientific activity.

"We are convinced that the entire European community must be united and consistent in the fight against evil, which today is a terrorist country. The resumption of cultural cooperation in such conditions is unacceptable," the Ukrainian Institute added.

"Holding international festivals in Russia, especially the support and organisation of such festivals by representatives of other countries or international organisations, is tantamount to denying, downplaying and trivialising Russia's war crimes against Ukraine," the Ukrainian Film Academy responded.

This opinion is supported by the State Film Agency. Moreover, the agency expressed gratitude to all companies that had previously responded to the call to boycott Russian cinema. These include film companies such as Disney, Warner Bros, Sony Pictures, Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures, streaming services Netflix and HBO, as well as the YouTube video hosting platform. They also thanked international festivals at which Russian films were not presented.

"Cinematography is a big part of the information struggle against Russian aggression. But this is not just a Ukrainian war," the State Film Agency wrote.

In addition, the agency drew attention to the fact that they had already turned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, law enforcement agencies of Ukraine and specialised organisations of the European Union. They expressed an urgent request to contact the diplomatic missions of the countries whose films were presented at the Festival of European Cinema in Russia. The main goal is to take the necessary measures to prevent the festival from taking place in the Russian Federation.

About the Festival of European Cinema in Russia

The European Film Festival was held for more than 15 years, but was cancelled due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The EU Delegation to the Russian Federation noted that they are resuming the event this year. The official opening ceremony has already taken place in one of the Moscow cinemas.

This year the festival programme includes 19 films from the European Union, in particular Belgium, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Spain and Italy. Two films of Russian production in cooperation with European film studios are also presented.

According to the EU representative in Russia Roland Galharague, the films presented at the festival will show the diversity of cultures and emotions, even amidst complexities of relations between the EU and Russia.

The event will take place online from 1 to 15 November. Viewers from Russia will be able to watch free films of the festival with Russian subtitles.

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