Organizers kept controversial film 'Deaf Lovers' in the program of the film festival in Tallinn.

The 'Dark Nights' Festival (PÖFF) decided not to exclude the film 'Deaf Lovers' by Russian director Boris Guts from the main program, despite calls from Ukrainian filmmakers and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. This was reported by ERR.

The festival initially excluded this film from a special selection, but left it in the main program to show it to the festival audience.

The director of PÖFF, Tiina Lokk, noted that the film was chosen for the program not accidentally, as it is artistically and thematically sharp and allows to discuss relevant topics.

She also pointed out that if the festival constantly succumbs to bans on certain films, it will lose immunity to propaganda.

The premiere of the film 'Deaf Lovers' will take place at PÖFF on November 17 at 20:30.

About the film 'Deaf Lovers'

This film tells the story of the love between a Russian man and a Ukrainian refugee living together in Istanbul. However, they are faced with the war between Russia and Ukraine. The film stars Russian actors Daniil Gazizullin and Anastasia Shemyakina.

The Ukrainian State Film Agency is trying to review the decision on including this film in the program of the 'Standing with Ukraine' festival in Tallinn. Derkino has asked the management of PÖFF to reconsider the decision to include this Russian film.