“NIKULIN SUPPORTS THE INVASION OF UKRAINE” Ukrainian artist Anna Dellart distributed protest leaflets during her performance, accusing Maxim Nikulin, a jury member, of supporting Russia’s invasion. Artistic director Antonio Giarola excluded her, stating the festival isn’t a place for politics.

Any body that has a public voice must think carefully about what they amplify. This is particularly stringent for these types of festivals where all presented pieces are hand picked and curated. It is not Elon’s X where the capacity to filter content is limited. Yet the EU is ready to shut down X but give a free ride to blatant violations by this festival because it’s artsy. We are out of politics and it is a silly thing to say for artists.

It is beyond crazy that ruzzian officials can still enter EU. and even more they are invited in any festival. and as a jury.