The World Cup is, of course, great PR for Russia and Putin. The Russian authorities could reinforce this by taking another look at the case of Oleg Sentsov. This Ukrainian filmmaker was sentenced to 20 years in prison. So says Mike Downey, vice-president of the European Film Academy to The Hollywood Reporter. Sentsov's hunger strike is now entering its ninth week. I am not the only one who is very worried about the happy ending. Earlier here also already reported on his case.
Oleg Sentsov made a name for himself as a new film talent with his 2012 debut screened at the Rotterdam Film Festival (IFFR) Gaamer. This film, about a game-addicted teenager in a village in Ukraine, is now available as a video on demand at IFFR.
Assault
In 2013, Sentsov became actively involved in the pro-Western Maidan protest in Kiev. In it, he also spoke out against Russia's annexation of Crimea. On 10 May 2014, he was arrested by the Russian security service. 'Preparation of terrorist activities' was the charge.
So-called confessions had been coerced through severe beatings, according to the filmmaker and his lawyer. A key witness also retracted his coerced statement. Nevertheless, Sentsov was sentenced to 20 years by a military tribunal. Amnesty International speaks of an unfair trial, which was nevertheless upheld by the Russian Supreme Court. The stakes of Sentsov's hunger strike are not only his own release, but also that of 64 other political prisoners from Ukraine.
Protests
Since then, numerous organisations and individuals, in Europe and abroad, have protested against this conviction. In particular, the European Film Academy (EFA) is constantly dealing with the matter, calling attention to it at numerous festivals. Thousands of filmmakers and artists are rallying behind it. Among them filmmakers of repute such as Wim Wenders, Mike Leigh, Aki Kaurismäki, Volker Schlöndorff, Ken Loach and Bertrand Tavernier.
Protests have increased since the start of Sentsov's hunger strike. People in more than 30 countries took to the streets for demonstrations. European Council President Donald Tusk called for Sentsov's release in his opening speech to the G7 summit. The European Parliament also called for it.
Film festivals regularly feature protest signs propped up. A few days ago, representatives of film trade associations did so at the festival in Karlovy Vary. They called on President Putin to show a human face and release Sentsov.
To date, all appeals and diplomatic approaches have been brushed aside. Oleg Sentsov's life is in grave danger, according to the EFA's latest press release.
The EFA, chaired by Wim Wenders, is organising an action at the Russian embassy in Berlin today.
IFFR screens Gaamer
It also International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) calls attention to Sentsov's case. In addition, Sentsov's film Gaamer is now available on IFFR's Unleashed platform. Proceeds benefit actions for Sentsov's release.
Those interested in learning more about Sentsov's case and organised actions can visit the EFA website. There also the account number for those wishing to donate directly. A very comprehensive and informative article by Mike Downey can be found at www.opendemocracy.net
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