"We call on the organizers of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) to reconsider the decision to exclude the Russian film Deaf Lovers ("Глухие любовники") directed by Boris Guts from the main program of the festival. Given Russia's aggression against Ukraine and the numerous hardships faced by the Ukrainian people, it is especially important to ensure that cultural platforms do not become tools for films that blur the boundaries of understanding the reality faced by Ukrainians," the post states.
The State Film Agency expresses its "deep conviction that allowing the screening of Russian films in the current context carries the risk of propaganda that justifies aggression and may be part of the aggressor's information strategy."
The Ukrainian agency also thanked the PÖFF organizers for the opportunity to present Ukrainian films at the festival.
"We appreciate your understanding and look forward to further cooperation that will promote the maintenance of freedom, human rights, and cultural independence," the State Film Agency wrote.
On the film festival's website, it is noted that "Deaf Lovers" is scheduled to be shown on November 17th, 18th, and 20th.
According to the film's description, director Guts (born in 1980) left the aggressor country, Russia, after the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the film itself was shot in Estonia and Serbia in 2024.