EUROPA INTERNATIONAL STANDS IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE;
MEMBERS TO PUT ON HOLD FURTHER BUSINESS WITH RUSSIA AS THE WAR RAGES ON
Europa International wishes to extend its support to the Ukrainian people, and strongly condemns the aggression against them.
To condemn the unprecedented & continuing escalation of violence in the region, Europa International and its members have decided to withdraw from participating in all state-related film festivals and events in Russia, as well as to put on hold doing any further business with Russia. This will remain the case until all hostile activities towards Ukraine and its citizens have ceased.
This said, we continue to support our colleagues and friends, Russian filmmakers who continue to question official narratives and through culture contribute to creating a more truthful, democratic space.
“Our thoughts go first and foremost to all those who have lost a loved one, as well as the hundreds of thousands fleeing Ukraine as the war rages on. To that effect, Europa International would also like to acknowledge our members and film industry colleagues in neighbouring countries and throughout the world who are stepping up to help in any way they can to alleviate some of the pain.
Our hearts also ache for our friends and colleagues in Russia who have been tirelessly denunciating the war, often at their own personal risk. We hope they will understand this decision which we bring reluctantly, very much hoping that we can continue to help bringing world cinema to Russian audiences and Russian cinema to the world again soonest”.