Georgian director faces censorship: ‘The Antique’ controversy at Venice Film Festival
A filmmaker’s struggle against censorship
In a dramatic turn of events, Georgian director Rusudan Glurjidze has found herself at the center of a censorship controversy surrounding her latest film, The Antique. The film, which delves into the harrowing mass deportations of Georgians from Russia in 2006, was set to premiere at the prestigious Venice Film Festival. However, an unexpected legal injunction has cast a shadow over its screening.
The story behind ‘The Antique’
The Antique is a poignant drama that captures the brutal and unlawful deportation of thousands of Georgians from Russia. The narrative is woven through the lives of four central characters: Medea, Vadim Vadimich, Lado, and Peter. The film was selected for the Venice Days section, an independent body within the Venice Biennale, highlighting its significance and the anticipation surrounding its release.
For more details, you can watch the trailer for The Antique.
Legal battles and censorship claims
The controversy erupted when prominent Italian media lawyer Bruno Della Ragione, representing three production companies—Viva Film in Russia, Avantura Film in Croatia, and Pygmalion in Cyprus—secured an emergency injunction from the Court of Venice. This injunction, based on an alleged copyright dispute regarding the film’s script, led to the cancellation of the press and industry screening of The Antique.
Glurjidze, expressing her frustration, stated, ”I am a filmmaker, not a lawyer. But I can tell you that I am in the middle of Europe and I am being censored. I think this is very worrying.” She emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that without visibility in Venice, the film risks becoming a “ghost film.”
Venice Days’ response and ongoing efforts
The organizers of Venice Days have pledged to do everything in their power to lift the injunction before the festival concludes on September 7. Giorgio Gosetti, the section’s president, assured that they are taking all possible actions, although he refrained from specifying the exact measures being taken.
The uncertainty extends to whether The Antique will be viewed by the section’s jury and remain eligible for competition, even if it does not screen for the public. This ambiguity adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
The broader implications of censorship
Glurjidze’s battle against censorship is not just a personal struggle but a reflection of broader issues within the film industry. She revealed that the problems began when the Russian Ministry of Culture demanded the removal of multiple scenes from the film. The Georgian team’s refusal led to attempts to obstruct the shoot and, ultimately, the confiscation of the film material at the border. Fortunately, two copies were saved, allowing the film to reach Venice.
In her statement, Glurjidze alleged that “after this, they started to block the film.” This ongoing struggle highlights the challenges filmmakers face when tackling politically sensitive subjects.
The production team behind ‘The Antique’
The Antique is a collaborative effort, with producers Zurab Magalashvili, Manana Shevardnadze, Andrey Epifanov, Tanya Petrik, Jussi Myllyniemi, Uschi Feldges, Ansgar Frerich, Eva Kemme, and Tatiana Detlofson at the helm. The lead production company is Cinetech, with co-production companies Cinetrain, Whitepoint Digital, and Basis Berlin Filmproduction contributing to the project.
A call for support
As Glurjidze continues to fight for her film’s right to be seen, she calls for support from the global film community. The censorship of The Antique serves as a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play in the world of cinema and the importance of standing up for artistic freedom.
For cinema enthusiasts, this controversy underscores the significance of supporting films that challenge the status quo and bring untold stories to light. The Antique is more than just a film; it is a testament to the resilience of filmmakers who dare to confront uncomfortable truths.
In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema, the battle for creative expression remains a crucial aspect of the industry’s growth and integrity. As we await the resolution of this legal dispute, the story of The Antique continues to resonate, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling in the face of adversity.