Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival has banned Russian delegations at this year’s event in May. Image via Twitter @NewTRNewsAgency

Russian delegations not welcome at Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival taking place in May is the latest to boycott Russia due to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival has banned Russian delegations at this year’s event in May. Image via Twitter @NewTRNewsAgency

The Cannes Film Festival said on Tuesday 2 March that Russian delegations will not be welcome at this year’s event in May due to the invasion of Ukraine.

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CANNES FILM FESTIVAL SHOWS SUPPORT TO UKRAINE

“The Cannes Festival wishes to express all its support to the Ukrainian people,” its team said in a statement.

“We are adding our voice to those who oppose this unacceptable situation and denounce the attitude of Russia and its leaders.”

“It has been decided – unless the war of aggression ceases under conditions that satisfy the Ukrainian people – to not welcome official delegations from Russia or to accept the slightest presence linked to the Russian government.”

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL SALUTES ARTISTS WHO TAKE A STAND

The organisers said they saluted the courage of all Russians taking the risk of protesting the invasion, and Russian artists and film professionals who have stood up against the current government.

“Faithful to its history, which began in 1939 in resistance to fascist and Nazi dictatorship, the Cannes Festival will always put itself at the service of artists and film professionals who raise their voices against violence, repression and injustice,” the statement added.

CANNES FILM FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE IN MAY

The Cannes Film Festival was founded in 1939, primarily to compete with the Venice Film Festival in fascist-controlled Italy.

This year’s event is due to take place from 17 to 28 May.

© Agence France-Presse