Andrey Zvyagintsev addresses war in Ukraine with ‘Minotaur’

Exiled Russian filmmaker Andrey Zvyagintsev has released ‘Minotaur’, a French-produced drama that addresses the war in Ukraine through the lens of military conscription and moral compromise. The film, which won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, serves as France’s official entry for the 2027 Oscars in the best international film category.

The story follows Gleb, a logistics company owner who attempts to protect his current staff from military service by recruiting new drivers with promises of high wages, only to see them sent directly to the front lines. Zvyagintsev, who has lived in France since 2021, described the film as an artistic response to the conflict, noting that as a Russian-speaking director born in Russia, he felt compelled to address the most significant event of recent years.

Despite the film's critical success, Zvyagintsev expressed skepticism regarding its ability to shift public opinion within Russia, where support for the military campaign remains high. Due to its subject matter, the film will not receive an official release in Russia.