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Zelensky on Berlinale: Culture can be outside politics, but not when there’s policy of aggression
KYIV. Feb 17 (Interfax-Ukraine) – Culture and cinema cannot be outside politics when it is a policy of aggression and a total war, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said to the participants and guests of the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, speaking via videolink.
“Culture and cinema can be outside politics. But not when it is a policy of aggression. Not when it is a policy of mass crimes, murders, terror, the desire to destroy other countries and other peoples. When it is a policy of total war. That is, the politics of today’s Russia,” he said.
According to him, “under such circumstances and at such times, art cannot be neutral. Cannot be ‘out.’ Culture makes choices in times like these. Culture chooses the side. Or speaks out in different ways fighting and standing against evil. Or – ovelooks and remains silent – and, in fact, helping the evil.”
“In humanity’s struggle against any evil, there are always two voices – truth and propaganda. For a while, propaganda can muzzle the truth. But it is not able to win completely. If art does not stop the struggle and understands that standing aside means being close to evil,” he noted.
He highly appreciated that “institutions and persons supporting the Kremlin and films made with Russia’s support are not admitted to this year’s festival.”
“We appreciate it and are grateful for it. This is really important. This is not a formality. This is justice. We are grateful for Ukraine’s support, attention to Ukraine, solidarity with Ukraine. Proof of this is the official badge for participants and guests of the Berlinale – the Golden Bear, which this year has become blue and yellow,” Zelensky said.
“Now there are thousands of kilometers between us. But we are side by side. We speak different languages, but there is complete understanding between us. Only a virtual border separates us. But there is no wall between us,” the president stated.
He called Ukraine a Fortress of the free world. “A fortress that has stood for almost a year. A fortress that protects itself, Europe and the world. A fortress that cannot fall. A fortress that will definitely stand. And will win,” he said.
