Over 300 filmmakers have called for the release of their Ukrainian colleague, Oleg Sentsov, who was arrested in May 2014 by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) for speaking out against Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Sentsov, who is currently detained in Moscow, is facing a trial that has been postponed until January 11, 2015, as reported by the European Film Academy (EFA).
Both the EFA and the French Film Directors’ Guild (SRF) have urged all film industry professionals to speak out against his detention in any public appearances or interviews. They stress the importance of ensuring that his case remains heard and remembered, saying, “So that from now on there will not be a day, not even an hour, without these sentences being repeated and heard above the noise of the world.”
In July 2014, the Human Rights Film Network sent a letter to the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office and the Federal Security Service, demanding an investigation into allegations that Sentsov has been tortured and mistreated. The letter called for immediate access to a lawyer and the Ukrainian consul, expressed concerns that Sentsov’s detention was due to his peaceful opposition to the occupation of Crimea, and urged the authorities to drop charges based solely on his exercise of free expression and peaceful assembly.
Sentsov is known for his short films such as A Perfect Day for Bananafish (2008) and The Horn of a Bull (2009). His debut feature, Gaamer (2011), which explores a video game tournament, was well-received at European film festivals.
The Human Rights Film Network, a global alliance of 38 human rights film festivals, works to promote human rights films and support filmmakers, particularly those at risk or facing censorship. These filmmakers often serve as critical witnesses in conflict zones and crises.