Emir Kusturica Now Says Cannes Wanted 'On The Milky Road' But It Isn't Finished

If you’re an arthouse filmmaker, the last people you want to upset are the programmers of the Cannes Film Festival, but it seemed that’s just what two-time Palme d’Or winner Emir Kusturica did this week. The Croisette regular had recently told Russian press that his upcoming "On The Milky Road" wasn’t selected because he’s a supporter of Vladimir Putin, adding that "politics has more and more often interfered with the way the Cannes Film Festival works." However, now he’s offering a different story.

Chatting with Screen Daily, the director says he never spoke to Russian press about his movie, and has a different reason why his picture won’t be in the south of France next month.

“The Cannes Film Festival wanted the movie, but we have not finished,” he said. “We have many things to do. We have to finish special effects and we also have some editing to do. We have to shorten the film a bit.”

Kusturica also adds that Cannes rejecting his movie because of his political leanings is just "speculation," but once again insists his movie isn’t done anyway.

So, choose which story you want to believe, but either way, "On The Milky Road" won’t be at Cannes.