In a conversation with TASS, the renowned Russian director Alexander Sokurov addressed rumors that he planned to end his filmmaking career. He clarified that the statements suggesting retirement were taken out of context, emphasizing that the real obstacle is not a lack of creative desire, but the current impossibility of working in Russia. This distinction, he explained, underscored a broader issue affecting many in the national film community who face barriers to both creation and teaching within the country’s present conditions.
According to Sokurov, the obstacles extend beyond his own projects. He described a landscape where opportunities to produce new work and to mentor the next generation of directors are severely constrained. He noted that for younger filmmakers, the situation is even more challenging, with limited access to funding and institutional support that sustains ambitious cinema. These remarks reflect a broader concern about the sustainability of artistic ecosystems when resources become scarce and state priorities shift away from public funding and infrastructure for the arts.
The veteran director, now 72 years old, has previously stated that he could no longer initiate new films or reissue his earlier works because of government restrictions. Yet Sokurov has also made clear that there is no plan to seek a new home abroad or to discontinue his career altogether due to exile or self-imposed isolation. He presented his stance as a choice to continue engaging with the world of cinema in whatever capacity remains feasible under current conditions, rather than a retreat from the profession or from public life in art. These positions have been reported in multiple updates and were reaffirmed during subsequent discussions, illustrating a moment of tension between artistic ambition and regulatory realities. (Source: TASS)
In a related development, the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation issued a ban on the distribution of Sokurov’s recent feature, Fairy Tale, a move that drew attention to how political oversight can shape the dissemination of controversial or provocative content. The film, which engages with sensitive historical figures and moments, became a focal point in debates about artistic freedom and institutional control. The decision to restrict screening aligns with a broader pattern in which authorities scrutinize or restrict works perceived as challenging to official narratives, prompting responses from filmmakers who navigate state oversight while pursuing creative expression. This backdrop helps explain Sokurov’s cautious stance on future projects and his comments about the practical barriers confronting Russian cinema today. (Source: TASS)
Earlier statements from Sokurov also referenced concerns about a potential ban on a project titled Alexandra, indicating his worry that certain films could face administrative obstacles before they even reach production. Such concerns highlight the precarious position of filmmakers who rely on an environment that balances artistic risk with regulatory constraints. The discussion around Alexandra, Fairy Tale, and related projects underscores a continuing dialogue about how policy, funding, and cultural institutions influence the vitality of cinema in Russia and the ability of artists to tell stories that resonate locally and internationally. (Source: TASS)