British singer Charli XCX attended an official afterparty in Berlin for her film, “The Moment,” which premiered at the Berlinale. The event, organized by Russian DJ and model Anastasia Shevtsova, has sparked criticism due to her family’s ties to cultural initiatives in Russian-occupied territories in Ukraine. This has raised concerns among Ukrainian artists and activists about the implications of the collaboration.
Afterparty Details
The afterparty followed the film’s premiere on February 14, 2026. Shevtsova, known by her stage name Petit, shared event insights on her social media. The guest list included notable DJs like Austrian Wolfram, French musician SebastiAn, and Charli XCX’s husband, George Daniel, who is the drummer for The 1975.
Controversial Connections
- Sevtsova is the daughter of Zhanna Shevtsova, founder of the “Traditsiya” foundation.
- The foundation operates in areas of Ukraine currently under Russian control.
- It collaborates with the Russian Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives.
The foundation’s stated goal is to integrate occupied regions into a unified cultural and educational framework. Their initiatives have reportedly reached areas such as Donetsk and Luhansk.
Criticism from Ukrainian Communities
Ukrainian artists have protested the Berlin afterparty for its association with figures linked to Russian occupation. They highlighted that Charli XCX and the venue management were made aware of this background prior to the event. Despite calls for cancellation from the Ukrainian cultural community, the party proceeded as planned.
Film’s Future and Regional Impact
“The Moment” is set for a theatrical release in Russia, with distribution rights secured by Russian Report. This follows its global premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January. The film represents Charli XCX’s creative exploration, rooted in themes from her influential album “Brat.”
Ongoing Controversies
While Anastasia Shevtsova has ties to Russian state cultural initiatives, she continues to travel across Europe freely. She has maintained connections with artists and directors in Russia, actively participating in the cultural scene. Her regular visits to cities like Paris exemplify the cross-border mobility that exists despite contentious ties to Russian activities in Ukraine.
The Broader Cultural Context
There is a growing concern among critics about how Western institutions host artists with connections to the Kremlin. Figures like Shevtsova challenge the boundaries of cultural diplomacy, particularly amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, forcing a reevaluation of how cultural events are perceived in light of current geopolitical realities.
