Cannes – May 23, 2026: Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev won the Grand Prix at the 79th Cannes Film Festival with the film “Minotaur.” In his subsequent acceptance speech, he directly appealed to the current Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that only Putin can stop the ongoing war actions in Ukraine. Zvyagintsev said, “Millions of people on both sides of the frontlines are desperately hoping for this massacre to end. The whole world is waiting for you to stop this slaughter.”
“Minotaur” is Zvyagintsev’s first work in nine years and deals with the impact of war on individual lives in Russia. At the center of the story is a successful businessman who is dealing with his wife’s infidelity, while the surrounding society is strongly affected by fear, corruption, and the consequences of war.
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Zvyagintsev has been living in exile in France. He emphasized at Cannes that returning to Russia is impossible because he does not want to make propaganda films that glorify war and patriotism. “I no longer have any place there. Making films under these circumstances would be a betrayal for me,” he explained.
However, the Kremlin rejected this appeal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that Zvyagintsev’s message will not be delivered to Putin, questioning the director’s legitimacy. He pointed out that Zvyagintsev did not criticize Ukraine’s attacks in eastern Ukraine and said that he has no “right” to make such demands.
“Minotaur” is scheduled to be released in France on October 14, 2026. Despite the political tensions, Zvyagintsev hopes the film will be screened in Russia through unofficial channels, bypassing censorship.
Zvyagintsev’s public criticism of the war and his use of international platforms like the Cannes Film Festival highlight the role of art and cinema as means of resistance and social commentary. His call for peace is one voice among many Russian exiles worldwide, drawing attention to the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
The Kremlin’s rejection demonstrates how severe the tension is between culture and politics in Russia and the risks artists face when openly opposing the government. Zvyagintsev’s stance makes an important contribution to debates about war, freedom, and responsibility within the context of political censorship and exile.
Sources
- The Moscow Times
- Le Monde