The international media industry has mobilized on an unprecedented scale to protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
A group of Russian distributors have issued a statement calling for the end of the war. “We, Russian film distributors, each on our own behalf, appeal to everyone who has it in their power to end the barbaric war in Ukraine, and we call for reconciliation and an immediate cease-fire,” the statement said. “For many years we have been building bridges between people to help them learn to understand each other better. Our work is not just business, and it’s not just our job. Our work is to create and communicate culture. Our mission is for audiences in Russia to be able to watch films about life in other countries – like Serbia, Thailand, France or Ukraine – and for audiences across the globe to be able to watch films about Russia and its people.” “Any good film, no matter the subject or the country of origin, is ultimately about the fact that every person’s life is a priceless gift. Life is full of wonderful, exciting things – but war is not one of them. Despite our differences, we humans are one and the same species, and under no circumstances do we have the biological or moral right to kill one another! We call on all opposing sides to engage in a constructive dialogue, because there is no other alternative to violence.” “Stop the killing and destruction!,” the statement added. The major Hollywood studios have paused film releases in Russia. Ukrainian director Oleg Sentsov (“Rhino”) has issued a powerful statement from the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war. “In 2014, I was unlawfully imprisoned in Russia and sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment for fighting against Putin regime and annexation of Crimea. Back then, the whole film industry stood up to support me. And I am immensely grateful for it. Now I’m asking you to support my country,” Sentsov said. “Exactly two weeks ago, my movie, which I shot after I was out, was released in Ukraine. For a week now, I have been standing in the trenches as a participant of the territorial defence of Kyiv, which is a part of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Life has changed in an instant with the fall of the first bomb on the territory of Ukraine. Everything we knew about Hitler’s invasion has now become real again.” “My motherland is mercilessly shelled from the land, sea and air. Russian bombs are falling on Ukrainian children. Millions are sitting in bomb shelters. Millions are suffering from being cold and lacking food. My country is being ruined, but our spirit is strong. We are going to fight until our victory.” “For this, we need your support. The support of intellectuals and artists who oppose Putin’s bloody regime. People who value human life more than anything. I request your support for the boycott of Russian cinematography in all dimensions, including film cooperation: co-production, distribution and festivals, as requested by the Ukrainian Film Academy. Please sign the petition!” “Stand with Ukraine! We will stop Putin together!,” the statement said. Sentsov has also shared a video shot earlier this week, the location of which cannot be revealed for security reasons. Banijay, one of Europe’s biggest production-distribution companies, announced Thursday that it is “freezing” new activity in Russia until further notice. It is believed that Banijay is also reviewing current contracts with Russian companies and will also be donating €100,000 ($114,000) to a charity to support efforts in Ukraine, the charity to be confirmed by the end of the week. Banijay is also encouraging its teams worldwide to explore fundraising avenues. As a sign of solidarity, all of Banijay’s social media handles are currently about to switch to our new “B” decked out in the distinctive blue and yellow of Ukraine’s national flag. The full Banijay statement: “We are utterly saddened by the horrendous situation in Ukraine and our thoughts go to all those affected. As a vast global content production and distribution business, we, like most of the industry, have long historically had deals in-place across Russia. However, in light of recent events, we have taken the decision not to activate any new agreements in the region relating to production, distribution (sales and licensing) and general commercial matters, thereby freezing our activity there until further notice.” A large question is how many more big European companies will rapidly follow Banijay’s example. One of Spain’s biggest movie export platforms, the Málaga Festival’s Spanish Screenings XXL, has barred Russian buyers and acquisition executives from attending its next edition, running over March 21-24. The move ends plans, announced to Variety in February, to pay flights and accommodation for a fulsome Russian delegation, drawn especially from its VOD platforms, after Spanish film and trade authorities had identified Russian streaming services as an export market priority. Following Russia’s devastating invasion of Ukraine, that gameplan has rapidly been dropped. “The Malaga Festival, by common accord of the ICAA and ICEX, in reaction to the requests of the Spanish audiovisual sector, has decided not to invite companies from Russia to the Spanish Screenings XXL, the official market for Spanish film sales,” the Festival announced Thursday evening in a statement.
