Russian Culture Ministry official wants to ban Armando Iannucci’s upcoming comedy ‘The Death of Stalin’

Pavel Pozhigailo, the head of the Russian Culture Ministry’s Public Council, has requested an advance copy of Armando Iannucci’s upcoming comedy-drama film “The Death of Stalin,” warning that the movie should be banned in Russia, if it proves as controversial as another upcoming movie about the ballerina Mathilde Kschessinska and her relationship with Nicholas II before he became tsar.

“The public should simply initiate a review by experts who will say whether it is an attempt to incite national hatred or offend certain feelings, and determine if the film is a danger,” Pozhigailo said, arguing that he already believes Iannucci’s new motion picture is “a planned provocation” against Russia’s Communists.

Warning: the following trailer contains obscenities and mockery of the USSR's dearest Dear Leader.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if some film about Imam Shamil is released at the same time, for instance. Because there should also be some blow to Muslims. Then it’s just technology we’re talking about — the technology of color revolution,” Pozhigailo said.

The Death of Stalin is an upcoming period comedy-drama film directed by Armando Iannucci that chronicles the events following the death of Joseph Stalin in 1953. The film is based on a graphic novel by the same name.

In an interview with Variety magazine, director Armando Iannucci — who also created the television shows “The Thick of It” and “Veep” — said, “I knew we were taking on a big subject of historical significance. Millions were affected by this and you have to respect that and acknowledge it.”