Ukrainian Director Slams EU's Venice Funding Cut as 'Kindergarten Punishment'

Sergei Loznitsa criticised the European Commission's decision to withdraw a €2m grant from the Venice Biennale over Russia's pavilion, calling it a trivial punishment. He noted that European imports of Russian liquefied gas rose 17% in the second quarter, funding bombs against Ukraine. Loznitsa argued the funding cut distracts from the EU's failure to enforce stronger sanctions.

The withdrawn grant supported Biennale College and the Venice Production Bridge, programs tied to the cinema department rather than the art exhibition where Russia's pavilion appeared. The Russian pavilion's show was only open during pre-opening days and closed to the public since early May, yet the funding decision came weeks later.

Loznitsa's new documentary Imperium draws on archival footage from the early 1970s Soviet Union. His previous works include Maidan, documenting Ukraine's 2014 protests, and the drama Two Prosecutors. The Venice film festival maintains institutional independence from the Biennale but faces direct financial consequences from the commission's decision.