Translated material
"Just a dick"
The new leadership of the Union of Cinematographers is preparing for war with Nikita Mikhalkov
Yesterday a press conference was held by the new chairman of the Union of Cinematographers, Marlen Khutsiev, and members of his board. Sitting at the presidium table were Eldar Ryazanov, Vadim Abdrashitov, Pavel Finn, Harry Bardin, Victor Matizen, Yuri Bogomolov. Two issues were discussed: the refusal of the Ministry of Justice to register Mr. Khutsiev and the demand of four members of the Investigative Committee to recognize the congress as poorly prepared and, as a result, illegitimate.Marlen Khutsiev began with regret that he had to deal with such unpleasant things, instead of starting to repair the union: “I am a peaceful person,” he said, “I did not want a scandal.” But what to do - and this is the collegial opinion of those present, since an “information war” has been unleashed, Mr. Mikhalkov says everywhere that “a bunch of unknown filmmakers” are against him - you will have to defend yourself. And then, perhaps, go on a counter-offensive. Filmmakers are determined to go to court with counterclaims if necessary, since they consider their cause to be completely legal.
The lawyer for the newly elected leadership of Stalin, Gurevich, clearly stated: firstly, from the moment of election, Marlen Khutsiev becomes the legal chairman until the contrary is proven. The Ministry of Justice was not obliged to approve it, since according to the law the Investigative Committee was only supposed to inform the authority about changes in the leadership, and it was not the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice to check the legality of the congress. Secondly, Nikita Mikhalkov, from exactly the same moment of re-election, has been a nobody in the union, “just a member.”
But a powerful member, because until now Marlen Khutsiev and his team have not received either a seal or access to the union’s accounts. Stalin Gurevich considers this provision absolutely illegal, but the organizing secretary of the union, Mikhail Kalinin, still firmly holds all the levers of control in his hands and responds to proposals to step aside that he would be glad, but has no right. The employees of the apparatus are still somehow paid.
The main question that all journalists asked the new leaders: what to do? What are you going to do if the court rules against you on February 6?
Only Vadim Abdrashitov answered absolutely unequivocally, saying: everything depends on the decision of the authorities. As they want at the very top, so it will be, and the courts and proceedings are only an appearance.
Others are more “romantic,” as Mr. Abdrashitov described their position. Firstly, they claim that Nikita Mikhalkov shamelessly lies and distorts, having media attention and administrative resources at his disposal. And society needs to open its eyes to this. Secondly, in their opinion, such a persistent reluctance to let go of power most likely means an intention to hide serious violations in their activities. The decision on the congress was made by the plenum, with the participation of both Mikhalkov and Porechenkov (Mr. Mikhalkov wanted to see actor Mikhail Porechenkov as his successor as head of the Investigative Committee), but when things did not go as desired, the idea of the illegitimacy of the congress arose. We need an open investigation into what happened in the union.
Colleagues described the character of their former comrade not from the best side. Eldar Ryazanov, for example, said that after the reproaches and accusations that were made against Mikhalkov at the last, sixth congress, he, Eldar Ryazanov, himself would have fled from the eyes of the community out of shame. But Mikhalkov is all God's dew... Harry Bardin remembered that Mikhalkov said to himself: “I don’t know what kind of friend I am, but I’m a good enemy,” and now the film community will have to experience his capabilities on their own skin.
Daniil Dondurei tried to move the conversation to a more general level. In his opinion, Mr. Mikhalkov does not hide his intention to close the union, turning it into a weak trade union organization, and transfer its main functions to the Academy of Cinematography, which he himself inspired. Moreover, in times of crisis, when the flow of private investment in cinema has become scarce, the state becomes the only source of life, and it is important who and how will advise the treasury to distribute state support funds. Extra players are definitely not needed here.
Of course, Nikita Mikhalkov will not be able to again lead the union after everything that happened. But it is within his power to crush this organization, depriving it of its last opportunities.
While filmmakers are trying to act in the information field, and then, apparently, they will have to go to the courts. Up to the European in Strasbourg. Participants in yesterday's press conference did not rule out this possibility.