Latest news with #BerlinaleFilmFestival
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
63-year-old Russian film critic put under house arrest in Moscow for ‘fake news' about war in Ukraine
Independent Russian film critic Ekaterina Barabash was placed under house arrest by a Moscow court for posting 'fake news' on her Facebook account about the war in Ukraine, her son Yurii Barabash reported on Facebook on Feb. 26. Detained by the Russian Investigative Committee on Feb. 25, Barabash will remain under house arrest until April 25. The Russian Investigative Committee, which is supposed to probe serious federal crimes, claimed in a Telegram post on Feb. 26 that Barabash 'admitted her guilt in full' during an interrogation. Crackdowns on freedom of expression in Russia have only intensified since the start of Moscow's full-scale war against Ukraine. 'We do not know who reported her. Given that she is a public figure, it's possible that her social media could have been under digital surveillance by the Russian security services,' Yurii, who was born in Russia but has lived and worked in Ukraine for more than 15 years, told the Kyiv Independent. 'She understood the risks involved (in speaking out). For her, it was impossible to remain silent while witnessing what the country she had lived in all her life was doing to the country where she was born — a country she loves and considers her true homeland.' Born in Kharkiv, Barabash is the daughter of a famous Ukrainian literary scholar. For speaking out in support of Ukraine fighting against a war of total annihilation, the 63-year-old could face a financial fine of up to five million rubles ($57,500) or up to 10 years in prison. Accusing Russian citizens under Article 207.3, Part 2 of the criminal code of spreading 'knowingly false' information about the military is a common method used by the Russian regime to silence dissent. In 2024 alone, at least 620 people faced politically motivated charges in Russia and the occupied Ukrainian territories, with a 25% surge in imprisonments compared to 2023, according to the independent human rights group OVD-Info. The court documents in Barabash's case cite four specific Facebook posts that were scrutinized by the authorities, but only one of them remains accessible online. 'Lord, save me, make it so that I don't choke with hatred for these hypocrites, liars, and murders. I won't be able to take it anymore soon — my heart is breaking into pieces,' the post from early spring 2022 reads. '(You) bastards bomb a country, raze entire cities to the ground, kill hundreds of children, shoot at peaceful people for no reason, keep Mariupol under a blockade, deprive millions of people of a normal life, and force them to leave for foreign countries. For what? For the sake of friendship with Ukraine? You are Evil on a planetary scale.' Russian authorities arrested Barabash following a search of her home, according to her son. Prior to her arrest, she had returned to Moscow from attending the Berlinale Film Festival as an accredited journalist. Barabash being put under house arrest following her detention is 'the best scenario we could have hoped for (given the alternatives),' Yurii said. However, he remains unable to communicate directly with his mother, as she is prohibited from using any electronic devices. 'All the information I receive comes through her friends, who are allowed to visit her,' he said. In a video released by Russian independent media outlet Sota Vision, Barabash can be seen in more or less good spirits following the court hearing. With a hint of irony, she inquires, 'Will it be a pretty bracelet?' in reference to the surveillance tag authorities are set to impose on her during house arrest. After Russia's 2014 invasion of Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts and its illegal annexation of Crimea, Barabash considered leaving the country. But with elderly parents to care for, she made the difficult choice to stay. 'Relocating people of such an advanced age is dangerous — some do not survive the journey. I understand her in this regard,' Ukrainian poet Lyuba Yakimchuk, who is Barabash's daughter-in-law, told the Kyiv Independent. 'My grandmother, who relocated from Russian occupation (in Luhansk Oblast) at a much younger age, did not endure the move, struggled to adapt, and passed away soon after.' Barabash's father, a recipient of Ukraine's prestigious Shevchenko Prize for his work on Ukrainian literature, passed away in November. Barabash's mother marked her 96th birthday just two days before her daughter's arrest. According to Yurii, Barabash's father 'raised his daughter to think freely and critically,' and the Barabash family 'has always been proud of our Ukrainian heritage." Yurii was raised in a home where Ukrainian was spoken freely, instilling in him a deep understanding of his heritage — one untouched by Russian imperialist narratives. Her deep connection to her Ukrainian heritage gave her the resolve to speak out against Russian aggression and those who support it, according to her family. Her most recent article, published on Feb. 25 in Republic — a media outlet designated a 'foreign agent' by the Kremlin in 2022 — criticized Russian theater director Konstantin Bogomolov, who had expressed interest in staging a play glorifying Russian President Vladimir Putin's 'successes.' Bogomolov is also the husband of Ksenia Sobchak, a socialite who once cast herself as an opposition figure but has long been seen as a Kremlin insider. In the article, Barabash delivered a scathing takedown of Bogomolov and all those who promote Russian state propaganda, suggesting the play be titled 'Kyiv in Three Days' — a nod to the Kremlin's boasts back in 2022 of what they thought would be a swift victory in Ukraine. 'After all, that's the greatest victory of your new object of admiration,' Barabash wrote. As U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in increasingly favorable terms about Russia, it's important not to forget that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a dictator who has held onto power through brutal crackdowns on dissent. We have to admire those in Russia who are brave enough to stand up to the Kremlin despite knowing the terrible risk, especially those who are openly pro-Ukrainian in the midst of their country's genocidal war. If you like reading about this sort of thing, Read also: 'You'll die here' – Belarusian political prisoners recount experiences ahead of Lukashenko's reelection We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Associated Press
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Hollywood Action Icon and Uncommon Dialogue Films CEO Patrick Kilpatrick Unveils Streaming Series at EFM/Berlinale
Renowned Screenwriter and Actor Showcases UDF's Streaming Series at the 75th Annual Berlin International Film Festival's Main Stage at the Documentation Centre 'The European Film Market/Berlinale Film Festival is one of the world's preeminent cinematic destinations. We are proud to have been selected to present one of our projects.' — Patrick Kilpatrick, CEO of Uncommon Dialogue Films. BERLIN, GERMANY, February 14, 2025 / / -- Uncommon Dialogue Films, Inc. (UDF), led by CEO Patrick Kilpatrick, has been selected to present a major seven-part streaming series at the prestigious event during the 75th Annual Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) and European Film Market (EFM) from February 13-19, 2025. Sylvester Stallone and Thomas Tippl, the former vice chairman and chief operating officer of Activision Blizzard are among others who invested $7.5 million in in the last week alone. The highly anticipated presentation will take place on February 15 at 4:30 PM on the Main Stage of EFM's Documentation Centre as part of the Berlinale Film Festival 2025. 'The European Film Market/Berlinale Film Festival is one of the world's preeminent cinematic destinations. We are proud to have been selected to present one of our projects,' said Kilpatrick. EFM, one of the world's top platforms for the film, media, and entertainment industries, runs annually alongside Berlinale. From February 13 to 19, 2025, it gathers producers, global sales agents, distributors, cinema operators, tech companies, and investors worldwide. As a premier hub for licensing and networking, EFM drives the audio-visual industry, shaping trends and innovations in global film and TV production. Uncommon Dialogue Films has been at the forefront of cutting-edge storytelling, having worked closely with innovative film analysis platform for over a year. The company's selection for this prestigious event further cements its reputation as a global powerhouse for film development and the creation of streaming content. Kilpatrick, known for his dynamic presence in the entertainment industry, is currently captivating audiences worldwide with his performances in several projects. His recent work includes starring in the family-friendly adventure film 'Nessie,' Cynthia Rothrock's Mixed Martial Arts Western 'Black Creek,' and the newly wrapped 'Hole Shot,' directed by French Mixed Martial Arts icon Olivier Gruner. Additionally, Kilpatrick is earning festival acclaim for his performance in 'Catalyst,' directed by Christopher Folkens, currently streaming on Apple TV+. Beyond acting, Kilpatrick is in mid-production for 'Dying for Living,' a high-energy action film he is writing, producing, directing, and starring in. The project boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring international action stars such as Nina Bergman, Costas Mandylor, Cynthia Rothrock, Chuck Liddell, Rigan Machado, Olivier Gruner, and rising talents Ivana Nguyen and Wesley Adema. In April, he will begin production on the Western 'Bountiful,' directed by Paul Winters. Industry professionals attending the EFM/Berlinale Film Festival are encouraged to connect with Kilpatrick and Uncommon Dialogue Films to discuss the major 7-part streaming series and UDF's compelling slate of globally appealing film and streaming projects. Uncommon Dialogue Films continues pushing the boundaries of cinematic excellence, ensuring its projects resonate with audiences worldwide. For more information about UDF or to schedule a meeting, visit +1 213-276-7827 X LinkedIn Instagram Other Legal Disclaimer:
