The Russian Culture Ministry has withdrawn the operating visa for “Benedetta” from Paul Verhoven, reports Courrier International.
While Paul Verhoeven’s Benedetta was preparing to be released in Russia on October 7, we learn that the Russian Ministry of Culture has withdrawn the operating visa for the film with Virginie Efira as a lesbian nun.
As explained International mail in its columns, the reason was not specified. “But there is every reason to believe that the Orthodox Church lobbied because of scenes deemed pornographic and offensive to believers“, indicates the weekly.
“The tradition of banning films, performances, concerts and exhibitions at the request of offended believers already has a long history in Russia “, continues Courrier International, adding, citing the Russian press, “that very often the invectives of the shocked people are not based on anything concrete, the latter not having seen the incriminated works“.
For the record, Benedetta was released in France on July 9, after its selection in competition at the Cannes Film Festival. The film gathered more than 330,000 spectators.
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