Ai Weiwei to join Stockholm Film Festival jury
Stockholm Film Festival appoint 'thrilled' Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei to its jury panel.
Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei was today appointed to be on the jury of the Stockholm Film Festival, even though he was unlikely to be allowed to attend in person, festival organisers said.
The artist, whose movements have been restricted by Chinese authorities, was chosen because he is a "symbol of the repression of artists and journalists," festival director Git Scheynius told AFP.
"He is one of the most interesting artists on the planet right now. He can't express himself and he has been in jail because of his regime-critical opinions," Scheynius said, adding it was unlikely Beijing would grant permission for him to attend the festival.
"But he was thrilled, he said he loves films and is looking forward to taking part."
The theme of the international festival this year is "freedom" and Scheynius said she hoped it would highlight the plight of journalists and artists unable to perform their work without the influence of censorship.
telegraph.co.uk
