Controversy at the Volgograd Fakel Film Festival Involves Remarks About Ukrainian Colleagues
During the Volgograd Fakel Film Festival, Oksana Stashenko, an honored artist of Russia, commented on several Ukrainian colleagues who have worked in Russian cinema. The remarks, reported by aif.ru, drew attention to the complex relations between artists across borders amid ongoing tensions over culture and national identity.
Stashenko, a prominent star from the series The Return of the Mukhtar, criticized a number of established actors for what she described as unacceptable behavior toward Russia. She named People’s Artist of the USSR Ada Rogovtseva, known for roles in Taming Fire and Eternal Call, along with Vladimir Talashko, who starred in Only Old Men Are Coming, and Bogdan Benyuk, recognized for works such as Aty-bats and The Abyss, among others. The statements were reported as expressing strong disapproval toward certain public stances and actions linked to political or national affiliations.
In her assessment, Stashenko suggested that some individuals who previously worked in Russian cinema may have acted with a degree of hypocrisy, implying a shift in attitudes that could be motivated by financial considerations. She described some as hypocritical and, in strong terms, as werewolves who concealed their true intentions for monetary reasons before revealing a different face. The remarks reflect a broader discourse about loyalty, national identity, and the pressures faced by artists working in a divided region.
Earlier, Yuri Chernov, a People’s Artist of the Russian Federation, touched on the topic while speaking at the Volgograd Torch Film Festival. He commented on his Ukrainian colleague Volodymyr Talashko, adding another dimension to the discussion that ties artistic collaboration to ongoing geopolitical tensions and cultural diplomacy in Russia and neighboring states.
There were prior statements from Anastasia, a granddaughter linked to the same family circle, indicating that the family does not wish to bear a heavy burden of name or public perception, an aspect that adds a personal layer to the public dialogue surrounding these artists and their legacies.
Observers note that the festival served as a focal point for debates about loyalty, artistic expression, and cross-border collaboration. The exchange highlighted how public figures in cinema can become symbols in larger conversations about national identity, memory, and the responsibilities of artists who operate across politically charged landscapes. Critics and fans alike are weighing the impact of such remarks on cultural ties, future collaborations, and the broader reputation of the Russian and Ukrainian cinema communities. Attribution: aif.ru coverage and festival reporting.