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Oscar commission to look into conflict around Nikita Mikhalkov film

Naumov challenged Vladimir Menshov who claims that many members of the Oscar commission voted for the Mikhalkov film because they were dependent on Mikhalkov

MOSCOW, September 21 (Itar-Tass) —— The presidium of the Russian National Academy of Cinema Arts and Sciences will meet in a special session to discuss the nomination of Nikita Mikhalkov film - Tired by the Sun-2. The Citadel" for Oscar prize. President of the Russian Academy and member of the Russian Oscar committee Vladimir Naumov told Itar-Tass that the presidium would meet until the end of the week.

On Monday the Nikita Mikhalkov film was nominated to present Russia at a contest for the Oscar prize awarded to the best foreign language film. Nevertheless, Chairman of the Russian Oscar Commission Vladimir Menshov refused to sign a protocol which endorsed the film. Menshov announced that he disagrees with the Oscar Commission' decision, speaking to Itar-Tass.

Corresponding documents are to be turned over to the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences by October 1. " As far as I know Menshov is obliged to sign the protocol because without Menshov's signature the documents is invalid," Naumov said. “Menshov as the commission chairman should merely confirm the decision made by his colleagues. But, the commission chairman might add his own opinion to the opinion of the majority and say that he disagrees with the position of the majority," Naumov said. “If Menshov categorically refuses to sign the protocol the executive director of the Oscar Committee may put his own signature,” Naumov specified.

Naumov challenged Vladimir Menshov who claims that many members of the Oscar commission voted for the Mikhalkov film because they were dependent on Mikhalkov. "Which of us could be afraid of Mikhalkov?" Naumov wondered. “ Whether it is Karen Shakhnazrov or myself who struggled hard to lobby each of my own films? I have nothing to be afraid of," Naumov declared.

“On the contary, it is Vladimir Menshov who owes a great deal to Nikita Mikhalkov who actually appointed Menshov to the post of Chairman of the Oscar Commission. I believe what Menshov's is doing is his own PR act, " Naumov said.

At a press conference on Wednesday Menshov declared that he was confident that the results of the vote for the nomination of the "Tired by the Sun - 2" film for Oscar prize would not be revised. "There is no hope that the results will be revised," Menshov said . "The only hope is that next year we will make the right choice," Menshov stressed.

Menshov declared he was not going to resign from the post of Chairman of the Russian Oscar commission. " Let it be another headache for Nikita Mikhalkov. Let him think how he should react to my disobedience," Menshov said. He admitted that he did not like the situation at the Oscar Commission. Problems did arise from time to time, but they were solvable. There had never been so much shame," Menshov said. He admitted the situation was quite awkward. "One gets a sour impression - we have no cinema, but much talk about cinematographers,” Menshov said.