Elena Drapeko, serving as First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Culture, has expressed a stance on the current debate over screening films that feature actor Artur Smolyaninov, who is on lists identifying terrorists and extremists. In a conversation with socialbites.ca, Drapeko argued that it is unnecessary to restrict the availability of Smolyaninov’s past film work on Russian streaming platforms. She clarified that while action should be taken against the professional in his public statements, there is no justification for erasing the contributions of others involved in the projects connected to his performances. Drapeko emphasized that a film is a collaborative effort, built by many creators who should not be erased from history simply because one actor has faced serious allegations or legal concerns. Her point was clear: restrictions should not extend to the entire catalog if the rest of the production remains accessible and relevant to audiences.
She also noted that the right response to Smolyaninov’s controversial remarks is to maintain the existing censorship on his individual activities while keeping his past work available to viewers who wish to judge the material on its own merits. Drapeko underscored the idea that removing Smolyaninov from new productions would be appropriate, but the films already completed should not be yanked from streaming services merely on the basis of his involvement. The logic she presented rests on the collective nature of filmmaking, where countless artists, technicians, and collaborators contribute to a finished piece of work that stands independent of a single actor’s personal controversy.
Public records indicate that Smolyaninov had already been placed on official lists identifying him as a terrorist or extremist. This status, once acknowledged, has implications beyond cinema, affecting professional opportunities and public perception. After leaving Russia in 2022, Smolyaninov’s situation evolved further when, in January 2023, the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation added him to the register of foreign agents. These developments have shaped the conversation about how to handle existing film content and the boundaries of participation for actors who become subject to state designations. The discussion continues to balance the respect for artistic work with the legal and ethical considerations that accompany individuals named on such lists.