Berlin Film Festival bans pro-government delegations from participating

The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) said on Wednesday that while it opposes a general boycott of Russian artists and culture, it will ban what it called "Russian pro-Kremlin" delegations, institutions, and individuals from participating in its events due to Russia's special military operation in Ukraine.

"Even in face of the criminal Russian war of aggression, therefore, it cannot be the intention to exclude filmmakers or cultural workers from the Berlinale on the basis of their nationality or to isolate them. All too often, it is precisely their works that convey criticism of the respective regimes," the Berlinale said.

In the statement, the Berlinale added that a general boycott of cultural works on the basis of their origin is unacceptable, explaining, "It is a different matter to exclude official state institutions and, in this case, Russian institutions or delegations as well as supporting actors of the regime."

Russia's special military operation in Ukraine has sparked a global retaliation in arts and culture, which led to a wide cultural boycott by film festivals, theaters, and other events that have canceled screenings and performances from Russia.

In the same context, the Glasgow Film Festival pulled two Russian movies from its program. As for Venice Film Festival, it did state it would not ban Russian films or artists as it would be a violation of freedom of speech, but it condemned Russia's actions.