Russia Bans Screening of Comedy Film About Stalin's Death

Following protests from communists and others in Russia who claim that a comedy film about the death of Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, is offensive, the Russian Ministry of Culture has banned the screening of this film, a joint production of Britain and France. According to the Associated Press, the Ministry of Culture of Russia announced that it is revoking the previous permission for the film's screening in Russian cinemas. The film, titled 'The Death of Stalin,' is directed by Scottish filmmaker Armando Iannucci. The film premiered at the Berlin Festival and was set to be released in Russia starting Thursday. This decision by the Russian Ministry of Culture reflects the level of popularity of Joseph Stalin in Russia, a dictator whose violent policies weakened society and the Communist Party, resulting in millions of victims. At the same time, this decision indicates the current Russian government's weaknesses and sensitivities in dealing with the history of the country. The ban on the film is a response from the Ministry of Culture to protests from several members of parliament and cultural figures in the country. A number of cultural figures in Russia wrote in a letter to the Ministry of Culture: 'This film is a hostile and completely inappropriate so-called comedy of our people's memories who defeated Nazism. Screening this film on the eve of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad is spitting in the face of those who died in that war.' Polls show that Joseph Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union from 1924 to 1953, is still respected by many. Many see him as the leader of the war and victory over Nazi Germany and the architect of transforming the Soviet Union into a superpower. Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia and a former KGB officer, has taken a cautious stance regarding Stalin's role in Russian history. On one hand, he has condemned the extensive purges of Stalin's era, while on the other hand, he has praised the achievements of the Soviet Union during Stalin's rule. Many Russians are dissatisfied with recent changes in school history books that present a positive image of Stalin. The Russian Armed Forces History Association, an institution established by Vladimir Putin, last year collaborated with the Ministry of Culture to install a bust of Stalin in the green space around this building in Moscow. Critics of the Russian government have condemned these actions, stating that they are part of the government's efforts to legitimize Stalin and limit democracy in the country.