Russian director Andrei Zvyagintsev's film "Leviathan" picked up yet another award Sunday night, this time for best foreign film at the London Critics' Circle film awards.
The controversial film, an off-beat depiction of a man's struggle with a corrupt local mayor, also placed sixth in the Circle's top 10 films of 2014, one week after its Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination for best foreign-language film.
Celebrated abroad but attacked by conservative critics at home, the film was recently accused of "openly spitting on" Russian authorities last week by Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky, who pledged in an interview with newspaper Izvestia that the ministry would not financially support similar projects in the future.
Russians will be able to judge the film for themselves when a profanity-free version hits local cinemas on Feb. 5, in compliance with new domestic legislation prohibiting expletives in the arts.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
