Ai Weiwei to join Stockholm Film Festival jury

Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei was on Monday, Sept 23, 2013, 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. -- FILE PHOTO: GOLDEN VILLAGE
Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei was on Monday, Sept 23, 2013, 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. -- FILE PHOTO: GOLDEN VILLAGE

STOCKHOLM (AFP) - Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei was on Monday 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 said.

"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.

"We're doing this to put pressure on the Chinese authorities," said Scheynius.

It was unclear how Ai Weiwei would participate, as organisers said he currently has no Internet access and is difficult to reach, but Scheynius said she was "optimistic" about his involvement.

The annual festival will run from November 6-17 with more than 180 films from over 50 countries in competition.

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