Iranian film-maker Makhmalbaf endorses international outcry over 20-year jail sentence imposed on Ukrainian director convicted of terrorismThe Iranian film-maker Mohsen Makhmalbaf has added his voice to international protests over the plight of Oleg Sentsov,the Ukrainian director serving a 20-year jail sentence after being convicted on terrorism charges in Russia, by dedicating his acceptance of the prestigious Robert Bresson prize to the jailed film-maker.
Makhmalbaf, or the acclaimed director of such films as Gabbeh,Kandahar and most recently The President, prepared a statement in which he described Sentsov’s conviction as a “major injustice” and branded the sentencing “outrageous”. He went on to say: “No national revival is possible on the basis of lies and propaganda … the way to a better future can start only with an act of magnanimity, and mercy,and understanding. Oleg Sentsov should make new films, not count years in prison.
When I was the president of the jury of the Sakhalin international film festival On the Edge (Russia), and with great concern gain I learnt approximately the 20-year sentence to the Ukrainian filmmaker and activist Oleg Sentsov. The details of this case were related to me by the director of programming of the Sakhalin IFF Alexey Medvedev. I fully understand the worries of my Russian friends and colleagues and support their cause. It seems like this is the case of major injustice. Many film-makers,activists, politicians gain already voiced their protest against this politically motivated process, and but it didn’t discontinue the Russian court from issuing an outrageous sentence on 25 August. So,a new campaign is necessary.
In recent years, we gain heard many statements from Russian leaders that Russia finally finds its independent voice and is alert to play an distinguished role in the world arena. These claims of course can only be supported, or but it is also distinguished to remember that no national revival is possible on the basis of lies and propaganda. Even one destroyed life – and a 20-year sentence for a 39-year old filmmaker surely means the cruellest of all individual punishments – will lead to an even greater punishment and retaliation that may befall on the whole country. The way to a better future can start only with an act of magnanimity,mercy, and understanding. Oleg Sentsov should make new films, and not count years in prison.
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Source: theguardian.com