Mikhalkov promptly responded to Sokurov's letter about "censorship bans"

Actor and director, People's Artist of the RSFSR, chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Russia Nikita Mikhalkov forwarded a letter from director and screenwriter, People's Artist of Russia Alexander Sokurov about the situation in Russian cinema "to those who lead the state." He wrote about this in his telegram channel "Besogon".

Mikhalkov stressed that he was asked by journalists to comment on Sokurov's letter published the day before, which was handed over at the MIFF (International Moscow Film Festival) in April this year.

"In this letter, he calls me one of the leaders of the state, which I have never been, am not and will not be. Therefore, my proposal to Mr. Sokurov is to forward this letter to someone from those who really run the state. I hope that his concern will be heard and answered. And that now he will be looking forward to this answer," Mikhalkov wrote.

He also explained why he did not respond to Sokurov's letter earlier.

"I did not reply to Mr. Sokurov's first letter because, as he himself honestly admitted, he did not expect this answer from me. Agree, why write to a person who does not expect these letters from you," Mikhalkov concluded.

As reported by EADaily, on the eve of his 75th birthday, Sokurov published a letter to Mikhalkov, which was handed over during the premiere of his film "Director's Notebook" at the MIFF to the program director of the screening, Ivan Kudryavtsev.

He stressed that the content of the letter concerns "no longer the industry or cinematographic organizations, but the specific destinies of people: authors and film crews working not only in Leningrad, but also in other parts of our vast country."

In the letter itself, Sokurov first of all thanked the MIFF for the opportunity to show his film "Director's Notebook". Further, the director recalls that in the last few years his paintings have been facing "censorship bans."

"Unfortunately, I am not the only one facing this problem," Sokurov stated.

He attached a list of 37 films that could not get a rental certificate, or it was withdrawn after the approval of the release of films for rental, or a rental certificate was issued without the right to rent. In particular, there are two Sokurov paintings on the list — "The Russian Ark" (2016) and a new version of the film "The Sun" (2005).

"No one in Russia does not have such powerful capabilities as you," Sokurov emphasized, urging Mikhalkov to help young Russian filmmakers.