Ilya Khrzhanovsky Defends Lead Actor Amid Ukrainian Criticism of “DAU” at Venice

The three-hour-plus feature “DAU” premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival in September 2026. Director Ilya Khrzhanovsky—a Russian dissident living in exile—was questioned about lead actor Teodor Currentzis’ refusal to publicly condemn Russia’s war in Ukraine. “The only thing I can wish for is peace and success for the Ukrainian government to succeed in the best possible way, to save the country and to win this war.” — Ilya Khrzhanovsky, mega-production by director

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The project began as a conventional biopic of Nobel-winning physicist Lev Landau in 2006, expanding into a sprawling experimental art-performance that was filmed in Kharkiv, Ukraine, between 2008 and 2011. Over two decades, the work grew to include roughly 400 principal roles, 10,000 extras, and multiple off-shoots—“DAU. Natasha” (2020) and “DAU. Degeneration” (2020). Financing originally came from Russian oligarch Sergei Adoniev, who funded the venture from 2008 to 2019; Khrzhanovsky says the project’s financial structure changed completely after that period. [[8]]

Variety Magazine

• Runtime: 165 minutes (approximately 2 hours 45 minutes).

IndieWire

• Production span: 20 years of filming and post-production.

IndieWire

• Cast size: ~400 principal roles, ~10,000 extras.

IndieWire

“Actually even [from] before the full invasion in 2022, my position was clear. [Deadline]

Variety Magazine

[Variety]

Variety Magazine

• Financing: Khrzhanovsky claims the original Russian backer was no longer involved after 2019, while earlier reports linked the project to Russian state-connected capital. No independent audit of post-2019 funding has been released.

Variety Magazine

• On-set conduct: Allegations of “KGB officers” (played by former real-life KGB personnel) controlling and punishing cast members have been reported, but the director has denied any wrongdoing and has not provided detailed evidence.

The Guardian

• “The only thing I can wish for is peace and success for the Ukrainian government to succeed in the best possible way, to save the country and to win this war.” — Ilya Khrzhanovsky, mega-production by director

The Guardian

• “Actually even [from] before the full invasion in 2022, my position was clear. I commented many times,” — Ilya Khrzhanovsky, mega-production by director

Variety Magazine

• “Look, I can criticize myself for things. And I prefer to judge myself for things and try to act and behave in a way that I feel it should be connected to my spirit and soul.” — Ilya Khrzhanovsky, mega-production by director

Variety Magazine

The controversy highlights the tension between artistic freedom and geopolitical sensitivities. By featuring a lead who has not denounced the war, the film raises questions about the responsibilities of cultural institutions when selecting works for prestigious platforms amid active conflicts. The director’s self-identification as a dissident and his explicit wish for Ukrainian victory contrast sharply with Ukrainian officials’ view that the film’s presence legitimizes Russian cultural influence.

Variety Magazine

No further screenings or festival invitations have been announced. Khrzhanovsky has indicated that the “DAU” universe will continue to evolve through additional installations, but concrete dates or venues remain unspecified.

Variety Magazine