Ukrainian Institute Urges Cannes to Rename Michel Hazanavicius’ Opening Night Film ‘Z’ (EXCLUSIVE)
variety.comMarta Balaga The Ukrainian Institute has issued an official letter to the Cannes Film Festival and French director Michel Hazanavicius asking them to rename his opening night movie “Z,” which the org claims is a pro-war symbol of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.In Russia, “Z” is considered a pro-war symbol that has also been used in pro-Russian demonstrations across Europe.
The symbol has recently been adopted by some Russian figures taking part in world events, such as gymnast Ivan Kuliak who, while in Qatar for a World Cup event, sported a “Z” on his chest while standing on a podium next to Ukrainian athlete Illia Kovtun.
Last week, Lithuania’s parliament voted to ban public displays of the letter “Z” in protest of the ongoing war. A letter sent to Cannes by the Ukrainian Institute, and seen by Variety, reads: “We consider that changing the title of the opening film of the Cannes Film Festival would be a gesture against the barbarity, violence and terror of the Russian army.” The letter was signed by Volodymyr Sheiko, director general of the org.Hazanavicius’ zombie comedy is titled “Z” in France, but its international title is “Final Cut.” The film was originally slated to bow at Sundance in January before the Utah festival’s last-minute decision to move online.
At Cannes, the film is currently listed in the Official Selection as “Z” but sources say the festival will only refer to the title as “Final Cut” moving forward.
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