Entertainment

Venice Film Festival Defends Russian Director

Updated 2026-08-20 11:10 UTC 1 source Neutral

Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera defended the selection of Russian filmmaker Ilya Khrzhanovsky’s ‘DAU’ amid criticism from activists and Ukrainian officials. The decision sparked controversy over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Coverage timeline — 1 article

Deadline

Venice Head Alberto Barbera Defends Selection Of Russian Director Ilya Khrzhanovsky’s ‘DAU’: “It Is Not Pro-Putin Propaganda”

Following weeks of criticism from activists and Ukrainian officials, Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera defended his selection of Russian filmmaker Ilya Khrzhanovsky’s feature DAU in a lengthy Instagram message posted on Wednesday. Beginning by describing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as

2026-08-20 10:59 UTC