Earlier, Russian-native director Vitaly Mansky told on his Facebook page that the screening of his documentary “Eastern Front” has been banned. The screening was scheduled to take place in the 139 Documentary Center gallery as part of the Artdocfest/Asia International Documentary Film Festival.
“All further screenings of the festival program have also been banned. This was done on the instruction of the Ministry of Culture. And this has been the first incident in the 4 years of existence of the 139 Documentary Center site. Hello, “The Russian World”!” – he said.
The Ministry of Culture responded to this incident and reported that the Cinematography Agency had been appointed as the authorized body for issuing a one-time permit for the public screening of the film.
According to the valid regulations, for screening of domestic and foreign films in Uzbekistan entities shall apply to the Cinematography Agency, and this application shall be reviewed by the Agency within 10 working days.
Meanwhile, during the public screening of the film, a number of requirements and conditions must be strictly abided by, failure to comply with which will result in the cancellation of permit to publicly screen a film.
While, to hold a public event in Uzbekistan, it is required to obtain permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“However, the organizers of the mass event called Artdocfest/Asia, which was planned to be held in Tashkent on April 2-8, failed to obtain a permission in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Despite official warnings from law enforcement agencies, they committed an administrative offense by organizing mass events and film screenings,” the statement says.
The Ministry of Culture emphasized that the cancellation of public events, including festivals, and film screenings at them is not within their competence.
“Eastern Front” is a documentary film by Vitaly Mansky and Yevgeny Titarenko, which tells about the war in Ukraine. Two documentarians talk about what is happening at the front and beyond.
