The Cannes Film Festival bans Russian delegations. This is the Cannes Film Festival’s response to the ongoing war in Ukraine, initiated by the Russian invasion. The Ukrainian Film Academy called for a boycott of Russian cinema earlier today. This year, the European Film Academy has supported decry by not accepting Russian films into European Film Awards. The Cannes Film Festival publically supported Ukraine in the war, saying “not welcome official Russian delegations nor accept the presence of anyone linked to the Russian government” at the festival this year. The Glasgow Film Festival has already pulled two Russian films from its program, and Stockholm will not show any Russian-funded films. The war in Ukraine has had a rippling effect politically, socially, and with cinema. The response by Cannes to the war in Ukraine is just one of the many reactions to the ongoing conflict.
Cannes Film Festival Bans Russian Delegations, What Does That Mean?
Though the Cannes Film Festival has not to outright banned Russian films like other film venues but bans Russian delegations. It has prohibited “official Russian delegations nor accept the presence of anyone linked to the Russian government.” The festival supports Ukraine in the ongoing war and hopes for the best for the country and its people. Cannes acknowledges “artists and Russian filmmakers who have never ceased to fight against the contemporary regime” in response to the conflict. Different organizations and individuals in the film industry have taken sides during the war in Ukraine. The Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, for instance, has chosen to not partake in the boycott of Russian cinema. The Cannes Film Festival’s response to the war in Ukraine will certainly not be the last significant action against Russia.
Despite banning Russian delegates and people linked to the Russian government, still keeps the door open for Russian cinema. The Cannes Film Festival starts May 17 and will go on until May 28.
