The members of the European Producers Club are deeply troubled by the Russian court’s decision to sentence one of our members and long-serving Board Member, Ukrainian producer Oleksandr Rodnianskyi of AR Films, to 8.5 years in prison for his anti-war remarks.

For over two decades, Oleksandr Rodnianskyi , who is also a member of Member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, has produced many films, including collaborations with Russian director Andrey Zvyagintsev, that have garnered and was nominated for some of the most prestigious awards worldwide, including the Oscar, Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix, France’s César and the Golden Globe Awards. Through his dedication, Alexander has consistently upheld the right of creators to express their views, even when those views are controversial, thereby enriching the diversity of opinions and ideas essential to democratic societies.

Following the sentence, he resolutely stated: “I will continue to speak the truth.”

In this regard, Oleksandr embodies the very essence of what it means to be an independent producer: a champion of creative diversity and an advocate for art as a platform to explore differing perspectives on society. The harshness of the sentence imposed upon him underscores the importance of his role in this capacity.

The EPC calls for all independent producers to be protected. As an organization it condemns this unjust sentence and urges the media, along with the global film community, to unite against this disgraceful verdict.