Anzhelika Artyukh, a respected film critic and scholar, recently faced controversy over her expulsion from the St. Petersburg State Film and Television University (SPbGIKiT). The reports, initially circulated by the Telegram channel “Attention, news,” sparked discussion across the film community about academic freedoms, career consequences, and the pressures faced by researchers in contemporary Russia. The event has prompted Artyukh to reflect on the path that led her to this moment and on the broader implications for colleagues and students who rely on her scholarship and teaching.
Artyukh attributed the dismissal to a recent trip to the United States and to a forthcoming book about Kathryn Bigelow, the Oscar-winning director known for films such as The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty. By highlighting Bigelow as a trailblazer in cinema, Artyukh underscored how international collaborations and critical biographies contribute to a richer understanding of film history. She noted that her travels and scholarly pursuits aligned with a long-standing goal to deepen international dialogue in cinematic studies. The announcement came as a surprise to many who have followed her work and appreciated her contributions to the department where she had taught for years as a professor. (Attention, news via Telegram channel)
Artyukh spoke about her move to the United States under a Fulbright program scholarship, which supports postgraduate study, research, and teaching opportunities at American universities. She described a mix of emotions—gratitude for the chance to expand her research horizons and sadness at leaving the faculty and the students who had benefited from her mentorship. Her departure raises questions about the future of the department’s scholarly output and the continuity of the courses and seminars she led. In her own words, the situation highlights the complex realities facing scientists in Russia today, where institutional shifts can affect careers and the dissemination of knowledge. (Attention, news via Telegram channel)
Artyukh is recognized as a Doctor of Art History and holds membership in the Russian Union of Cinematographers and FIPRESCI. She has received an honorary diploma from the Ministry of Culture and has served as a curator for the Moscow International Film Festival, including roles as a jury member at both the Berlinale and the Rotterdam Film Festival. Over her career, she authored more than sixty scholarly articles on cinema and published influential books such as New Hollywood: History and Concept and Film Directors in the Modern World. Her work has shaped conversations about how national cinemas intersect with global trends, and her insights into directing and production continue to inform both students and professionals in the field. (Attention, news via Telegram channel)
The previous day also brought attention to another development in the Russian academic and cultural scene, as Lyudmila Ulitskaya was reported to have been stripped of her honorary professorship at Russia’s Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology (RHTU). This incident, while separate, contributes to a broader conversation about recognition, prestige, and the evolving status of scholars and cultural figures in the current climate. (Attention, news via Telegram channel)
Earlier reports noted that Sofia Rotaru was offered but declined an honorary citizenship title from the city of Yalta, illustrating the wide range of honors and recognitions that often accompany public life in the arts and sciences. These accompanying narratives reflect how cultural identities and achievements are acknowledged at local and national levels, shaping the public’s perception of artists and scholars alike. (Attention, news via Telegram channel)