Despite Golden Globe, Russian ‘Leviathan’ still on the shelf at home

Russian drama “Leviathan” made history by becoming the first film from the country to win a Golden Globe since the fall of the USSR but has still not been released at home. The film — a harrowing drama assailing abuse of power in today’s Russia (and based on a true story from the American Midwest) — won the prestigious best foreign language film award in Hollywood on Sunday but has been held back across Russia after officially falling foul of a controversial law banning swearing. Due to the number of swearwords in the gritty production, the film has had to completely redo its soundtrack.

Do not be surprised if it gets an Oscar, it is so smeared with Russian filth.

Vladimir Medinsky, Russian culture minister

Seen by some as a searing indictment of President Vladimir Putin Russia’s, the film — which was part funded by the state — has previously drawn criticism from Russia’s Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky. The Kremlin keeps a tight rein on information in Russia, controlling most of the news media and, increasingly, online activities. Criticism of Putin is extremely rarely aired. Producers have said the film is scheduled for a 5 February release in Russia.

Arts