The director of an experimental Russian film has declined to criticize his lead actor over the performer’s failure to publicly denounce Russia’s military operations in Ukraine. At a press conference following the Venice Film Festival premiere, Ilya Khrzhanovsky addressed questions about Greek-Russian conductor Teodor Currentzis, who stars in the biographical film about physicist Lev Landau and continues to reside and work in Russia.
Khrzhanovsky stated that Currentzis’s decision to remain in Russia and avoid making a political statement represents a personal choice for which individuals must accept consequences. The director drew a parallel to his film’s narrative, in which the protagonist faces pressure to participate in nuclear weapons development and ultimately complies with demands. Khrzhanovsky noted that characters in the film, like people in real life, must reckon with the results of their decisions.
Currentzis did not attend the premiere due to what organizers described as a last-minute emergency. Despite the controversy surrounding his lead performer, Khrzhanovsky characterized Currentzis as one of the greatest conductors of the present era and indicated they remained in contact. When asked about his own stance regarding the conflict, Khrzhanovsky expressed support for Ukraine, stating he wished for peace and success for the Ukrainian government to preserve the country and achieve victory.
The film’s inclusion in the festival lineup had drawn criticism from Ukraine’s foreign ministry prior to the premiere. The project itself carries a complicated history spanning two decades, including previous allegations of misconduct during its lengthy production period in Kharkiv. Khrzhanovsky has renounced his Russian citizenship in response to the invasion and currently resides in Germany.
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