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08 June 2010 19:29

Ukrainian Cinema Foundation Calls On Orange Sky Film Copyright Holders to Adhere to Legal and Ethics Standards in Course of the Trial

June 8, 2010, certain media outlets informed, quoting the press service of the Socialist Party of Ukraine, that representatives of the Ukrainian Cinema Foundation allegedly ignore the trial on the allegedly misuse of the Orange Sky film at the Days of Ukrainian Cinema in Poland.

In December 2009 it has already been informed, in what manner and according to what procedure the Orange Sky had been demonstrated at the festival. Unfortunately, the statement of June 8 again contains perverted information.

Firstly, the Ukrainian Cinema Foundation was founded by Ukraine 3000 Foundation in accordance with the procedure, established with the acting legislation of Ukraine, and is an independent undertaking, not the Foundation’s branch. The Ukraine 3000 Foundation is not a party in the trial on the Orange Sky copyright protection. Thus, any talks about seizure of the accounts or prohibition of the activities of the Foundation are, at least, inappropriate.

Secondly, demanding explanations on the reasons for a failure to appear in court is the solely prerogative of the court. In this case the attorney representing the Ukrainian Cinema Foundation was unable to appear in court for objective causes. This is far from an extraordinary matter, and the law prescribes a clear course of action for such cases. Since this was the the third hearing on this case, and representatives of the Ukrainian Cinema Foundation had actually attended the two previous ones, speaking about “ignoring the trial” is, again, inappropriate.

Thirdly, the Ukrainian Film Foundation never evaded negotiations with Orange Sky film copyright holders, who, in their turn, failed to accept proposals to hold a meeting. Again, the Ukrainian Cinema Foundation stands for a meaningful dialog, able to resolve the existing situation in a civilized way.

Obviously, it is not the Ukrainian Cinema Foundation but Socialist Party of Ukraine that employs the “no-win publicity war strategy” to turn a routine procedural matter into a political cause. Also, the very fact of a political force’s intervention into economic relations can be interpreted as an attempt to influence the court. Such actions are unacceptable and incomprehensible for European Union member countries.

The Ukrainian Cinema Foundation calls upon the opponent to adhere to legal and ethics standards in course of the trial, not resorting to slander and dirty tricks. We are certain that our opponents are civilized and law-abiding people.