Russian director speaks out against war in Ukraine at Cannes
Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov flashes the victory sign as he arrives to attend a press conference for the film "Tchaikovsky's Wife" ("Zhena Chaikovskogo") at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 19, 2022. (AFP)
by Reuters
May 19, 2022 1:17 pm


Although it banned official Russian delegations from the event, the 75th-anniversary edition of the Cannes Film Festival featured "Tchaikovski's Wife" by exiled Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov. Speaking after the global premiere of his movie on Wednesday, Serebrennikov condemned the war in Ukraine.

"No to the war," he said in Russian, as he received a standing ovation for his 19th-century drama, the only film entry by a Russian director.

Director Kirill Serebrennikov and cast members Alyona Mikhailova and Odin Lund Biron take a selfie at the end of the news conference for the film "Zhena Chaikovskogo" ("Tchaikovsky's Wife"), Cannes, France, May 19, 2022. (REUTERS)

Festival organizers also invited Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address the opening ceremony live from Kyiv. He urged the industry not to be silent about the conflict.

One of 21 films vying for the coveted Palme d'Or prize, Serebrennikov's movie highlights the destructive marriage of Russian composer Piotr Tchaikovsky to a young woman.

Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov speaks during a press conference for the film "Tchaikovsky's Wife" ("Zhena Chaikovskogo") at the 75th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 19, 2022. (AFP)

It traces the transformation of Antonina, played by Alena Mikhailova, from a pious and determined suitor to a rejected spouse in an ill-fated marriage.

Tchaikovsky, who prefers the company of men, is portrayed as a troubled and charismatic genius, repelled by his young wife and his decision to marry her.

Last Update: May 19, 2022 16:49