Moscow cinema defies ban to show Ianucci film The Death of Stalin
A Moscow cinema has shown a satirical film about Soviet leader Josef Stalin despite an official ban.
The Culture Ministry has rescinded the permit for screening Scottish writerdirector Armando Iannucci’s The Death Of Stalin just two days before its scheduled premiere. The decision followed criticism from communists and others that the British french production made a mockery of Russian history.
However, Pioner cinema showed the film yesterday as planned, defying the ministry’s move.
The ministry warned the cinema will face sanctions in line with the law. Screening the film without a licence is punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 rubles (about £1,265) and could lead to the cinema’s closure in case of a second violation.
Stalin remains widely admired in Russia despite his brutal purges that killed millions of people.
Yelena Drapeko, deputy head of the lower house of parliament’s culture committee, said she had “never seen anything so disgusting in my life”.
February is the anniversary of the Russian victory at the Battle of Stalingrad in 1943, one of the largest battles in military history and a decisive victory against Nazi Germany.
It was led by Marshal Georgy Zhukov, who is played by Jason Isaacs in the comedy.
The film was released in the UK in October.