Production costs UK urges filmmakers to avoid Russian money

UK cinema bosses are acting as a “moral compass” at Cannes, as they steer filmmakers away from Russian cash being offered on the Riviera.

The British Film Institute (BFI) has refused to deal with Russian producers who are quietly making overtures over funding at the annual film festival. The organisers placed a ban on official Russian delegates this year but an “approved” group of representatives has been allowed to attend.

It is understood the governmentbacked BFI is furnished with updated lists of those with financial links to Russia, and has been warning filmmakers to steer clear of them.

Independent British production companies outside the BFI have a freer hand to make deals in Cannes, but there is understood to be a feeling that not dealing with the Russians is “the right thing to do”.

Britain’s stance in Cannes followed outrage from Ukraine after the Russian film Tchaikovsky’s Wife was included in the running for the Palme d’or as its director, Kirill Serebrennikov, received funding from the oligarch Roman Abramovich.

The director has condemned the war in Ukraine but also said a ban on Russian culture was “unbearable”.