"Don't Come, Don't Watch"... Global Film Industry's 'Boycott' of Russia

Condemnation of Ukraine Invasion
Cannes Film Festival Denies Delegation Attendance
Disney, Warner, Sony Halt Releases
International Federation of Film Critics Skips Cultural Events
Lee Young-ae, Ryan Reynolds Donate

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Russia, which invaded Ukraine, is facing isolation in the cultural sector as well. The global film and arts communities are consecutively declaring boycotts and turning their backs.

On the 24th of last month (local time), when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, countries around the world imposed various sanctions and strongly condemned the act.

The Ukrainian Film Academy (UFA) called for an international boycott of Russian films and the film industry. In a statement, they lamented, "Despite sanctions worldwide, Russia continues to receive cultural benefits."

Since then, the global film industry has continued to declare boycotts against Russia. The Cannes International Film Festival in France, considered one of the world's top three film festivals, announced that "Russian delegations and government-related individuals will not be invited to the event held in May."

The Cannes organizers stated, "Our festival supports the people of Ukraine and everyone on its territory," adding, "We oppose this unacceptable situation and stand with those condemning Russia and its leaders' attitudes."

The European Film Academy (EFA) announced that Russian films will be excluded from the 35th European Film Awards to be held this December. In a statement, EFA said, "We strongly condemn the war initiated by Russia," and added, "Ukraine's sovereignty and territory must be respected. President Putin's actions are absolutely unacceptable."

The Stockholm International Film Festival, scheduled for November, also declared it will not include films benefiting from Russian state funds in its program, and the Glasgow Film Festival, which opened on the 2nd, excluded two Russian film festivals from its program.

Domestic film festivals have also taken action. The Jeonju International Film Festival, opening on the 28th of next month, stated, "We strongly support Ukraine's will to preserve sovereignty and territory, its aspiration for democracy, and also support the courage of Russian local filmmakers, artists, and citizens who have begun to raise their voices against their country's unilateral decisions."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Major Hollywood studios are also joining the boycott against Russia. Although Russia is a major market ranking among the top 12 worldwide for Hollywood film revenues, the studios have clearly expressed their protest. Walt Disney Company and Sony Pictures announced they will halt new releases in Russia, and Warner Bros. canceled the Russian release of the new film "The Batman." Recently, major theaters in Russia had been conducting large-scale marketing campaigns ahead of the release of the superhero blockbuster "The Batman," but due to the invasion, it will no longer be shown.

Online streaming service (OTT) Netflix has also turned its back on Russia. Although the revised Russian law requires mandatory provision of content from state TV channels and Russian Orthodox Church TV channel Spas, Netflix declared it will not comply.

Domestic film critics also shared the same sentiment. Members of the Korean branch of the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) stated in a declaration, "Russia must immediately cease military actions and withdraw, stopping its attack on democratic citizens worldwide who seek global safety and peace," and "We resolve not to participate in cultural events planned, hosted, or sponsored by Russia."

Stars with influence in popular culture supported Ukraine through donations. Actress Lee Young-ae donated 100 million won, while Yang Dong-geun and Narsha each donated 10 million won to the embassy. Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively pledged to donate 1 million dollars (1.2 billion won) for Ukrainian refugees.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.