At the Cannes Film Festival, a Russian director condemned war

Following the global premiere of his film “Tchaikovsky’s wife” at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday, exiled Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov spoke out against the war in Ukraine.

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

Official Russian delegations were barred from attending the festival, and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was invited to speak at the opening ceremony live from Kyiv. He urged the industry not to remain silent in the face of the conflict.

Serebrennikov’s film, one of 21 competing for the coveted Palme d’Or, focuses on the destructive marriage of Russian composer Piotr Tchaikovsky to a young woman.

It follows Antonina, played by Alena Mikhailova, as she progresses from a devout and determined suitor to a rejected spouse in an ill-fated marriage.

Tchaikovsky is portrayed as a troubled and charismatic genius who is repulsed by his young wife and his decision to marry her…Reuters