Venice Film Festival: Zelenskiy Describes Ukraine War As ‘Horror Film’

Volodymyr Zelensky made an appearance on the opening night of the Venice International Film Festival, where he delivered an emotional message in which he described the war in Ukraine as a 189-day-long horror film.

The 79th international Venice film festival kicked off on Wednesday night and runs until September 10.

The Ukrainian president once again urged the world of cinema not to be “silent”, or become “fatigued” with news about the ongoing conflict.

In his pre-recorded and subtitled speech Zelenskiy told viewers that the story of Ukraine was one “beyond the limits of humaneness and common sense”.

“It is a drama based on real-life events. A tragedy to the score… of explosions, shots, and air raid alert wails,” he said.

“A horror, which is not 120 minutes but 189 days long. 189 days of war going on in Ukraine.”

He added that Russia wanted the world to become “fatigued” with the war.

“The design of theirs should never turn into reality.”

Addressing the attendees directly he continued: “Personalities of culture, film directors, producers and actors, playwrights, cameramen, composers, artistic directors, set designers, critics… your opinion is important.

“Your voice matters. Your word is strong.

“The least you can do, rather, should not do, is not to remain silent, not to be afraid, not to turn your back on… the war in Ukraine.”

Zelensky’s message included a list of names of children and teenagers killed so far in the war, which rolled silently on a black screen.

The Ukrainian president previously delivered a similar message at the opening of the Cannes Film Festival in May. In Cannes, his message was translated live into French and given a standing ovation.

Mr. Zelensky yesterday during his nightly address, warned enemy soldiers occupying a strategic Ukrainian city to ‘run home or die’.

‘If they want to survive, it’s time for the Russian military to run away. Go home,’ the leader said. ‘Ukraine is taking back its land.’

It comes after explosions were reported in the south of the country after the president unveiled his mission to retake Kherson on Monday.