Pride to be released in Russia despite anti-gay laws

The film will be distributed throughout the country – but must be given an ‘explicit’ rating.

Last year’s breakout hit Pride will finally be released in Russia – despite the country’s controversial anti-gay laws.

Indie film distributor Arthouse – known for releasing independent and foreign films – has taken on the British comedy, which premièred at last year’s Cannes film festival to critical acclaim.

Arthouse was founded last March by Sam Klebanov, following the financial collapse of his previous company, Cinema Without Frontiers, which also distributed lesbian film Blue Is the Warmest Colour.

Pride tells the story of an alliance between an LGBT support group and coalminers during the strike of 1984.

It was a critical and commercial hit and picked up a series of accolades after its release.

In celebration of the news, artwork for the film was later released on social media.

Ironically, the film opens and closes with scenes set at London’s annual Pride parade – whereas in Russia, Moscow Pride was banned for the tenth year in a row back in May.

Russia has been widely criticised for its infringement on gay rights, since Vladmir Putin passed a law that prohibits “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” to minors in 2013.

Madonna last week stated that she “will never perform in Russia again,” saying that she can no longer “perform in places where being homosexual is tantamount to a crime.”

• Dec 31 2024

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