Russian actor Yura Borisov (Anora) continues to star in russian propagandist movies.
Yura Borisov has starred in a few propagandist movies in the past, such as Kalashnikov and Tank-34, as well as his work with Nikita Mikhalkov's studio (a sanctioned Putin supporter). It's worth noting that Kalashnikov was filmed in occupied Crimea.
His upcoming credits include Khroniki russkoy revolyutsii written and directed by another sanctioned russian director Andrey Konchalovsky. One of the creators of a militaristic movement “Cultural Front” for pro-war propaganda.
When asked about his roles in these productions he said "that he does not consider the political or ideological basis of a film. What matters is that the character is interesting". His upcoming credits include 7 russian productions.
Yura has never publicly voiced support for Putin but he has also never condemned him or the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Neither him nor Mark Eydelshteyn (who is also starring in upcoming Russian productions) were asked about it in any of the press for Anora.
Olga Sydorushkina, programme curator at the Ukraine Institute London has said "Half of the cast is continuing to participate in pro-government film festivals in Russia, taking leading roles in patriotic films that are funded by the government. That is very questionable. Anora is a good film, but for the Russian film community it is more than just a good film – it is a sign that there is no cancellation of Russian culture. It is a victory for them."
Ksenia Bugrimova, who created the Ukrainian-British Association of Screen Industry Professionals believes that both actors are pawns in a much bigger game. “These actors have become tools of propaganda in the promotion of the image of Russia,” she says. “They are great actors. They have done previous international works but now they are just tools for this propaganda machine.”