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In a statement from the BFI it announced it would cease programming films or partnering with Russian state-backed organisations. The British Film Institute said it strongly condemned “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine” and that it stands “in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and all those affected by these horrific events.”
Critically, it said, the BFI supports an independent Ukraine and it reiterated its stance on “artistic freedom, freedom of speech and film’s potential to critique power.” The BFI will continue to programme Ukrainian films as well as independent Russian works and welcomes filmmakers from both nations to BFI Southbank, at BFI Festivals and on BFI Player.
The full statement reads as follows:
“The BFI strongly condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and all those affected by these horrific events.
“We support Ukraine remaining an independent nation and a world in which people from places that are silenced or under attack are safe and free to tell their stories through film and the moving image.
“The BFI believes in artistic freedom, freedom of speech and film’s potential to critique power, unite people and inspire empathy across cultures and we will continue to programme both Ukrainian and independent Russian films and welcome those filmmakers to BFI Southbank, at BFI Festivals and on BFI Player.
“We will also continue to share and give access to the BFI National Archive, and will work with FIAF (International Federation of Film Archives) to support the protection of Ukraine’s film heritage.
“However, while this situation continues, we will not programme films or partner with organisations that are backed by the current Russian state.”
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