ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Andrei Zvyagintsev's anti-war film 'Minotaur' competes at Cannes

other · 2026-05-09

Russian filmmaker Andrei Zvyagintsev, 62, exiled in France, presents his film 'Minotaur' in official competition at the Cannes Film Festival. Set against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the movie explores the war's impact on a married couple, delivering an unequivocal anti-war message. Despite Zvyagintsev's strong opposition to Putin's regime, his mere presence at Cannes may draw criticism from Ukrainian associations. The film is his first feature since leaving Russia.

Key facts

  • Andrei Zvyagintsev is a 62-year-old Russian filmmaker exiled in France.
  • His film 'Minotaur' is in official competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
  • The film's backdrop is the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
  • It depicts the consequences of war within a marriage.
  • Zvyagintsev condemns the war without ambiguity.
  • He detests the Putin regime.
  • His presence at Cannes may provoke disapproval from Ukrainian associations.
  • This is his first feature since his exile.

Entities

Artists

  • Andrei Zvyagintsev

Institutions

  • Cannes Film Festival

Locations

  • France
  • Russia
  • Ukraine
  • Cannes

Sources