Filmmaker Kirill Serebrennikov on Russia’s climate of violence

ENCORE! © France 24

His latest film “Tchaikovsky’s Wife” is a surreal and stylish historical drama, shining a light on a woman overshadowed by her famous composer husband. Director Kirill Serebrennikov tells us how Antonina Miliukova railed against the anti-woman climate in 19th century Russia, and how institutional violence and propaganda have become features of the Putin administration. We discuss the time the filmmaker spent under house arrest in Moscow and how Russian artists who attempt to challenge the status quo today are often risking their lives, prompting a “national tragedy” as they flee the country.