Russian propaganda film to be screened in Italy despite backlash

Despite facing widespread condemnation from the public and officials, the Russian propaganda film, “The Witness,” revolving around the conflict in Ukraine, is set to tour Italy. The movie, which was a box office flop in Russia, presents a fictional narrative of a Belgian violinist, Daniel Cohen, entangled in the Ukrainian conflict, portraying crimes committed by Ukrainian nationalists in a village.

Released in August 2023, the film failed to attract Russian audiences, grossing less than 14 million roubles (€142,000) in its initial two weeks. Nevertheless, “The Witness” is now seeking attention in Italy, particularly among those who haven’t disassociated themselves from Putin.

Scheduled for an evening screening on January 27 in Bologna, the same day as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the controversial event has sparked criticism. The screening, planned at the Villa Paradiso cultural center, led to accusations of hosting a pro-Russian propaganda event, prompting objections from users on social media.

City officials in Bologna condemned the screening, calling it “unacceptable” for a publicly funded venue. Despite the objections, Villa Paradiso insisted they were within their right to showcase the film, citing freedom of information about the conflict in Ukraine.

In response to the city’s request to cancel the event, the far-right group National Movement Patriots Network offered to host a screening if needed. Although city officials and Villa Paradiso were contacted for comment, the screening is still scheduled to proceed as planned.

“The Witness” has previously been shown in various Italian cities, with Rome hosting a screening preceded by a video message from the actor playing the main character, Karen Badalov. The actor expressed concerns about censorship and praised the Roman public for being an exception to the restrictions surrounding the film.

In addition to “The Witness,” another pro-Russian propaganda event, a conference about the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, is set to take place in Modena on January 20. Despite calls to cancel, the event continues to be scheduled, featuring speakers such as Luca Rossi, president of the Italy-Russia Association, and journalist Andrea Lucidi, who is also attending the screening in Bologna.

Modena’s center-left mayor, Giancarlo Muzzarelli, distanced himself from the event, stating that the town does not support initiatives offering a pro-Russian interpretation of the war in Ukraine. However, the conference is still set to proceed as planned.