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Venice Defends Khrzhanovsky’s “DAU” After Ukraine Condemnation

9/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The film “DAU” by director Ilya Khrzhanovsky premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival on September 9, 2026.
Ukraine’s foreign affairs and culture ministries and its embassy in Italy issued a statement condemning the film’s inclusion.
Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera defended the selection, describing Ilya Khrzhanovsky as a Russian dissident blacklisted as a terrorist.
Ilya Khrzhanovsky said his stance on the Russia-Ukraine war is clear from outset, wishing peace for Ukraine.

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Story summary

The film “DAU” by director Ilya Khrzhanovsky premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival on September 9, 2026.
Ukraine’s foreign affairs and culture ministries and its embassy in Italy issued a statement condemning the film’s inclusion.
Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera defended the selection, describing Ilya Khrzhanovsky as a Russian dissident blacklisted as a terrorist.
Ilya Khrzhanovsky said his stance on the Russia-Ukraine war is clear from outset, wishing peace for Ukraine.