Russia bans showing Paul Verhoeven film about lesbian nun

Russia has strict rules for showing films and series, especially with regard to religion and homosexuality. Since 2013, it has been illegal to “promote non-traditional sexual relations”. Recently, the screening of the Romanian film Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn also stopped, because the title would be too provocative. After the title was changed, the film was still allowed to be shown.

Despite this, most (Western) films in which LGBTI persons and relationships are featured can be seen in Russian cinemas and via streaming services, says NOS-Russia correspondent Iris de Graaf. “But perhaps the Ministry of Culture thought this film went too far, because of the combination of both LGBTI and religion.”

The power of the Russian Orthodox Church has grown in recent years, says De Graaf. “Russia is becoming more conservative and the rules stricter. This film goes directly against that.”

politically incorrect

At the world premiere of Benedetta at the Cannes film festival, film critics reacted divided to Verhoeven’s film, partly because the sex scenes were said to be too explicit. Reviewers called Verhoeven a “politically incorrect provocateur”.

At the time, the acclaimed director showed de Volkskrant know never to have been out for a scandal. In addition, the use of a Maria dildo is historically correct, he said, because in the 17th century women were burned at the stake when “an instrument” was used.

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