Karlovy Vary defends the decision to invite the Russian film to the 2022 edition

The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in the Czech Republic defended its decision to invite a Russian film to its 56th edition, despite promises not to welcome state-sponsored Russian films about the war in Ukraine.

Drama by Russian directors Natasha Merlulova and Alexei Chupov Captain Volkonogov fled You have to play in the Horizons sidebar.

Several Ukrainian directors, who were also invited to screen their films at the festival, issued an open letter on Tuesday protesting the move.

We understand your arguments, however, we categorically reject your interpretation that the screening of this film, which was previously supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, alienates the international community from war crimes committed in Ukraine. Festival president Jiri Bartoshka, executive director Krzysztof Mucha and artistic director Karel Och in an official statement.

“Rather, we believe that by showing the film we can highlight a public discussion that will focus on overlapping the main theme of the film with current events.

they appealed Captain Volkonogov fled As one of the most important films of the last edition of the Venice Film Festival, where the world premiere of the competition took place.

“Although the action of the film is set in 1938, its story shows quite evident parallels with the current situation. We believe the film provides an adequate description of how the manipulative actions of the despotic leader can influence the thinking of the majority of society, deliberately create enemies of the regime in the name of ideology and ruthlessly destroy them, and how such actions can ultimately. It causes a national tragedy, “they said.

“From this point of view, we see the film Captain Volkonogov fled “As an indirect but very clear criticism of the current state regime in Russia”.

The festival also highlighted the fact that this year it invited a large delegation from Ukraine and also offered to host the Odessa Works in Progress International Film Festival.