My Dear Nikita,

I have been trying to contact you prior to the first Oleg Sentsov’ trial in Rostov. I have asked: your wife Tania, your production company, and finally your assistant who answered your mobile phone. You did not respond as you were reportedly in China. 

I think the matter is so important that, before the current trial (which will take place on 24 November in Moscow), I am trying to contact you again. This time, in the form of an open letter.

Our (nearly) fifty year long fraternal friendship authorizes me to do so. You are not only one of the greatest artists of contemporary cinema, but for me you have always been a great, deep and wise man. My Russian brother. 

I believe that you do not think and feel differently to all the great artists from many countries who signed the letters regarding our Ukrainian colleague to President Putin. The cruelty of first-instance trial brings to mind the darkest judgments of the past of our common civilization and culture. I appeal to you and I beg you, as your Polish brother, to do something. Among all of us you are the person closest to your President and the case. You know that well,  it is upon us what we do for others selflessly.

Yours,

Daniel