After two years of the ongoing global health crisis that has severely impacted all aspects of social and economic life throughout the world, and just as we were beginning to glimpse the possibility of returning to a normal collective life, another crisis, of extreme gravity, has hit Europe: Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine.
We did not think that such a catastrophe could occur on a continent that has, for the past three decades, been committed to peace and dialogue. Through Ukraine, it is indeed Europe as a whole that is being targeted, and democracy as the underlying principle of sovereignty that is being undermined.
Unifrance and its members wish to express their unfailing support to the Ukrainian people, and condemn this unjust and unconscionable attack, which endangers Europe. We express our support to the men and women who are on the front line facing the onslaught of the Russian army, as well as to Ukrainian artists, whose determination is unfaltering. We are thinking in particular of the filmmakers who must continue to give life to their movie industry, whose vitality and singularity have permeated film festivals worldwide.
We also know that there are many Russians who do not accept this war and consider it to be scandalous, pointless, and murderous. Citizens, men and women from the cultural sphere, artists, sportspeople... So many voices that are courageously crying out in Russia, braving censorship and threats from the police and the army.
Given this situation, the Seventh Art and the television sector must, more than ever, express what constitutes their very essence: the spirit of freedom, tolerance, and respect for the cultures and languages of all people. We naturally stand in solidarity with all those who share this ideal of culture, kinship, and peace that are the foundation of our continent, of every filmmaker, every artist and creator, be they from Ukraine, Russia, or elsewhere.
This attack by the Russian army against Ukraine has sparked a very extensive international mobilization. The stronger this mobilization can be, and the more it can be unified and coordinated, the more chances it will have of accelerating the end of this unacceptable war.
It is urgent that Russia immediately ends its aggression against Ukraine, so that the world can return to the path of peace and to save Ukraine from destruction and chaos.
Serge Toubiana – President of Unifrance
Hervé Michel – Vice-President of Unifrance
Daniela Elstner – Executive Director of Unifrance
