The dissident Russian film director Kirill Serebrennikov is calling for the lifting of sanctions on Roman Abramovich, one of the investors behind his latest film.
Abramovich’s record as a sponsor of important cinema should be taken into account, Serebrennikov added, speaking at the Cannes film festival.
Ukrainian delegates at Cannes have questioned the timing of the filming itself, which they allege may have continued into April.
Questioned on Thursday, Serebrennikov said he had not received money directly from the Russian state since he was a student.