Barbera defends Khrzhanovsky’s ‘DAU’ selection “Not Pro-Putin Propaganda
When cultural events intersect with geopolitical conflict, the lines between artistic expression and political commentary often become razor-sharp. This tension was vividly displayed recently at the Venice Film Festival, where the inclusion of certain works sparked intense debate.
For weeks, the selection of Ilya Khrzhanovsky’s feature film <DAU> had drawn significant criticism from activists and Ukrainian officials. The film’s presence on the international stage became a flashpoint, raising difficult questions about the role of art during wartime.
In response to this mounting pressure, Venice Film Festival director Alberto Barbera took to social media to offer his defense. Posting a lengthy message on Instagram on Wednesday, Barbera addressed the controversy surrounding the film’s selection and its inclusion in the festival lineup.
Barbera’s defense began by setting a stark tone, describing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “bloody and cruel”. This powerful opening immediately framed the context of the conflict that underlies the cultural debate.
Beyond this initial statement, Barbera engaged directly with the critics, attempting to defend the artistic choices made by the festival committee and justify the inclusion of <DAU>. The message sought to navigate the complex relationship between artistic freedom and the devastating realities of war.
The exchange highlighted a broader struggle: whether global cultural events can remain objective sanctuaries when faced with overwhelming political trauma. Barbera’s statement served as a public reckoning, inviting a broader conversation about how art functions—and should function—in times of crisis.
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