In an official letter to international film festivals, the director of the Ukrainian State Film Agency, Marina Kodircuk, asked to “stop any cooperation with producers of audiovisual materials in the Russian Federation who support the aggression against Ukraine.” It requested organizers of international film festivals not to participate in competitive and non-competitive film programs produced by the Russian Federation, or in co-productions with it, as well as any other cooperation with film producers in the Russian Federation.
In a joint statement with Ukrainian filmmakers, the Ukrainian Film Academy called for imposing sanctions on the Russian film industry and depriving the Russian Federation of membership in the Council of Europe Cultural Support Fund and the European Convention on Co-Production of Films. The statement called for “denying the Moscow International Film Festival from the accreditation of the International Federation.” Film Producers Association.
Disney announced, on Tuesday, that it has suspended the release of its films in cinemas in Russia, to follow the example of many companies that have chosen to withdraw from this country, either for the time being or permanently. “In view of the unjustified invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are suspending the release of films in cinemas in Russia, including the upcoming Piscar film (Turning Red),” Disney said in a statement published by Agence France-Presse.
And the management of the Eurovision Song Contest, “Eurovision”, announced the exclusion of Russia from participating this year, after its military attack.
A Netflix spokesperson told Variety that the world’s largest digital platform “will not turn into a free channel for Russia,” as it can be required to do so under Russian law.
Russia’s artistic and media boycott of the Japanese company “Sony”, which announced that it intends to stop its planned cinematic releases in Russia. And the “Deadline” website reported that Sony has temporarily halted the release of its films in Russia, including the famous (Marvel pic Moebius) starring Jared Leto, as the country continues its invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
As for Warner Bros., it has officially halted the release of its upcoming movie (The Batman in Russia) in Russia at the present time, which was scheduled to be released on Thursday, according to what the company announced, stressing that it would “continue to monitor the development of the situation after the Russian invasion.” And she “hopes for a quick and peaceful solution to this tragedy.”
This comes as a continuation of the decision to boycott the sport of Russia. The International Football Association (FIFA) has asked Russia to complete its upcoming matches, as part of the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, on neutral territory under the name of the Russian Football Association without its knowledge and national anthem following the invasion of Ukraine. Several countries announced that they would refuse to confront Russia, including England and Wales, as well as Poland, the Czech Republic and Sweden.