The Berlinale pronounced this Wednesday against a widespread boycott of Russian filmmakers and artists for the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which he “strongly” condemned, while expressed his solidarity with the Ukrainian people.
“The Berlinale is clearly against a generalized boycott of cultural works based on their origin, because this would also suppress many critical voices. And the world needs these critical voices”, writes the Berlin International Film Festival in a statement.
For this reason, even in the face of the “criminal war of Russian aggression” one cannot try to “exclude or isolate filmmakers or artists from the Berlinale because of their nationality”, because “often precisely their works convey criticism of the respective regimes”, he stresses.
“Another thing is to exclude official state institutions from participating in the Berlinale and, in this case, precisely Russian institutions or delegations, as well as actors that support the regime while the Russian government wages this atrocious war against Ukraine,” he specifies.
The festival remembers that it is seen as “a intercultural meeting place” and “a platform for critical debate on current or historical world events”.
“Art and culture are central elements of democratic societies and film festivals are places where artists from all over the world -regardless of the country- present their works and open a dialogue”, recalls the statement.
The Berlinale emphasizes that “only in open and creative spaces for reflection can (film) culture continue to develop.”
“The Berlinale strongly condemns Russia’s war of aggression contrary to international law and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and with all those who are committed against this war,” the statement said.
The festival laments the fact that “the Russian invasion and attack on civilian targets such as hospitals, schools or residential buildings have caused a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe in Ukraine”.
“Our thoughts and our empathy is with the victims, the suffering population and the millions of people who have fled from Ukraine”, adds the text, which concludes with the hope of “an early end to Russian aggression and peace for Ukraine”. (I)
Source: Eluniverso
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