Russian Director Sokurov Documents Roadblocks for Fairy Tale Release
In a discussion with director Alexander Sokurov, it was stated that the film Fairy Tale will not be released in Russia. The announcement came after the Ministry of Culture refused to issue a lease certificate necessary for distribution on the big screen. Sokurov emphasized that the film is meant for cinema viewing, a goal now hindered by the current ban.
Journalist and TV presenter Ksenia Sobchak shared that Sokurov organized a special screening of Fairy Tales in Moscow on November 19. The event included a conversation about the film with the author, and Sokurov expressed gratitude for Sobchak’s support, noting its significance for audiences across the country, especially young viewers.
“This matters to a broad audience, because the project was created with the intention of reaching our citizens and younger generations”, the director explained. The message underscored the importance of cinema as a cultural experience for the public and the role of art in national discourse.
Earlier, Sokurov submitted documentation to the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation in September 2023, seeking a distribution certificate for the film’s release. The ministry refused to grant the license, keeping the project from securing a wide theatrical rollout.
On October 13, organizers of the Karo.Art festival in Moscow announced the cancellation of a planned screening of Fairy Tale, which had been scheduled for October 15. The decision added another layer to the ongoing challenges surrounding the film’s public exhibition.
In related developments, Sokurov had previously announced his retirement, a decision that has been part of ongoing industry conversations alongside the film’s status and upcoming projects. The current situation continues to shape discussions about censorship, cultural policy, and the ability of filmmakers to present national narratives on large screens.