Cannes Film Festival Bars Russian Delegations, Any Delegate With Ties to Kremlin
Elsa Keslassy International CorrespondentThe Cannes Film Festival has issued a statement commenting on calls for a boycott of Russian cinema and said it will bar Russian delegations but not filmmakers. “As the world has fallen into a grave crisis and sees a part of Europe in a state of war, the Cannes Film Festival would like to express all its support to the Ukrainian people and to all those who are currently in Ukraine.” “As modest as it can be, we are joining out voice to all those who are opposing this unacceptable situation and are denouncing the stance of Russia and its leaders.” “We have a particular thought for the artists and professionals within the Ukrainian film words, as with their families whose lives are now in danger.” The festival said it will not welcome official Russian delegations and “will not accept even the smallest presence of any institutions linked to the Russian government.” Cannes said however that it praised the courage of all those in Russia who are taking risks to protest against the agression and invasion of Ukraine.” “Among them are artists and professionals who have never stopped fighting against the current regime and would never be associated to this intolerable acts and those who are bombarding Ukraine,” said Cannes.