STATEMENT REGARDING THE SCREENING OF “RUSSIANS AT WAR”
at the 2025 Antenna Documentary Film Festival
Some concerns have been raised regarding the scheduled screening of the Canadian-French co-production “Russians at War” at the 2025 Antenna Film Festival. Since the Italian Cultural Institute supports and presents the Italian movie “Valentina and the MUOSters,” in the past few days several messages have been sent to the Institute on this matter.
We sincerely respect the views expressed in them and completely understand the concerns that have been prompted in consideration of the current situation between the Ukraine and Russia. Furthermore, we stand by the Italian government’s position of strong condemnation of the Russian aggression of the sovereign state of Ukraine
The fact that the Institute appears as an Antenna cultural partner is owing to a long-standing and positive collaboration with the Festival, which has consistently provided an excellent cultural engagement, always maintaining the promotion of documentary cinema and the fostering of open dialogue as its priorities.
It should be made clear, however, that the Institute does not actively participate in the Festival organization nor its selection process. The Institute’s support of the 2025 edition of the Festival is strictly limited to the Italian documentary on the program. Nevertheless, we will endeavor to make our voice heard in this matter and ensure that the legitimate concerns that are being conveyed to us are brought to the Festival Directors’ attention.
We appreciate the understanding of all involved, and we encourage anybody who has been touched by this situation to reach out to the festival website for details about their decision process and current standpoint. https://antennafestival.org/statement/
Sydney, 6 February 2025
The Italian Cultural Institute