"This Is Not Sowing Season And "Dozhynki": A Famous Actor Responded To The Minister Of Culture
23- 11.06.2025, 20:47
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Belarusians need freedom of self-expression and creativity.
Lukashenko said about the problems in the Belarusian theater and cinematography - allegedly "crooks and enemies" everywhere. He also recalled the protests, when employees of Belarusfilm were in the front rows of protesters.
Why does the ruler dislike people of art so much? The site Charter97.org talked to director, theater and film actor Andrei Novik about it:
- First of all, people of art are among the few who can publicly express their opinions. If we take the theater, it could be interpreted as an unauthorized micro-meeting if an artist suddenly, in front of an audience of 300 people, expresses an opinion that differs from the state line. Such a story, of course, would not be very pleasant for those in power.
Artists and politicians are about 80% of those who can address people from TV screens. Therefore, of course, it is more convenient for dictatorial regimes to educate the people without any media idols who can lead them by their opinions, visions and ideals. To prevent figures like Robert De Niro. To prevent an entertainer of this magnitude from growing up who, at the Academy Awards, can speak out in front of a billion viewers. That's what it's about.
It's much more convenient to convince people that we have no one, and artists themselves, that they are nobody and nothing, that they have no right to express their opinion, than to allow such a will.
- Lukashenko even said: "We can do without you." Can modern society do without cinema and theater?
- If we take a philosophical approach, society can probably do without anything. But the question is how deep and united such a society will be. Art unites and spiritualizes much stronger than any slogans.
As practice shows, many talented artists, playwrights, directors, composers were either simply forced to leave, or imprisoned, or put before a choice, figuratively speaking, between a pen and a rope.
And as a continuation of all this, any independent creative organizations or associations are now actively branded as "extremists," just like the social networks of our association "By_teatr".
- Ruslan Chernetsky, Minister of Culture of Belarus, said that in order to develop cinema in the country "it is necessary to raise the artistic level of films" and "enter international distribution." For this, he said, "administrative support is needed." He also promised to "bring back the cadres that have left". What would you say to him? What does Belarusian art really lack?
- It lacks freedom and talents. How can one use administrative resources to increase the talent of people who create spiritual values? You can't make an artist play better or a playwright write stronger with a stroke of a pen. This is art, not a sowing campaign or "Dozhynki".
I don't understand how the idea of raising the level of art with the help of administrative measures can be born in one's head. The only way to raise the quality of Belarusian films and plays is to give people freedom of self-expression and creativity. So that they could speak, express their opinions and values. Only then the level of art can really grow.
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