Sokurov: 'I would show Putin my library'
On January 30, the Russian government changed the composition of the Council for the Development of Domestic Cinematography, removing director Alexander Sokurov and eight other film figures. Other managers were appointed to their places, including individuals with active patriotic positions.
When asked whether his removal was related to his December speech at the Human Rights Council, Sokurov stated: «I hope there is no connection here, because this council should undergo a rotation procedure.» According to him, others were also removed, for example, the director of the Gorky Film Studio Yuliana Slashcheva and others.
The director admitted that he was not familiar with the work of this body. «I had no idea about the existence of this council. I have never been to its meetings and I don»t know if it ever convened or not,« said Sokurov. He supported the principle of rotation but emphasized that the council should include people involved in actual film production and support for young cinema.
In December, President Vladimir Putin, touching on the topic of banning Sokurov«s films, promised to call the director. Sokurov reported that a personal meeting with the president could take place in the second half of February, if his busy schedule allows.
When asked if Putin could visit him, Sokurov answered: «That would be great. I would invite him home, give him tea, show him my library.» He added that he would also show the president his new film The Director«s Notebook, which tells about Leningrad—the city where Putin was born.
This five-hour film was shown at the Venice Film Festival, but its screening in Russia is impossible due to the lack of a distribution certificate. «I don»t even submit it to the Ministry of Culture: I know they won«t even look at it and will immediately say no,» the director explained. The film belongs to Italian producers, and official permission is required for screening in the country.
The Director«s Notebook is an educational work that connects the history of Leningrad with world events. A Russian version exists; it was viewed, in particular, by Mikhail Piotrovsky and Natalya Solzhenitsyna. However, even the St. Petersburg festival »Message« refused to show it, citing the lack of documents.
Sokurov stated that the situation with bans on his films continues. He does not want to escalate the conflict, so he is not seeking to place the film on online platforms. When asked when Russian viewers will be able to see the work, he briefly answered: «Someday.»
