The message reads, in part:
“You are known as a man of great talent and inexhaustible creativity. Your films, your theatre, literary and musical projects invariably arouse public interest and become high-profile events in the cultural life of the country.
The many years of teaching and educational activities you have put in, the major contribution you have made to the preservation of our national historical and spiritual heritage deserve our deep respect.”
Alexander Sokurov has directed more than 15 feature films and was involved in the shooting of more than 30 documentaries. He has won many awards, including prizes at the Berlin, Venice, Cannes and other major international film festivals.