«Pornofilmy» (Порнофильмы) is a Russian punk rock band from the town of Dubna (Moscow Oblast, Russia), formed in 2008. The lead vocalist and lyricist is Vladimir Kotlyarov. The collective distinctly stands out among other Russian punk acts for its sharply politicized, uncompromising lyrics as well as promoting a clean and healthy lifestyle — all band members are vegetarians, abstain from alcohol and drugs, and do not smoke.
The band «Pornofilmy» frequently faced administrative cancellations of their concerts, with Russian authorities accusing the musicians of "promoting extremism and fascism."
On September 8, 2023, the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation added Vladimir Kotlyarov to the register of "foreign agents" (complete list of foreign agent musicians).
Vladimir Kotlyarov’s (Pornofilmy) Position on the War in Ukraine
On February 24, 2022, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the band declared its unequivocal support for Ukraine, with frontman Vladimir Kotlyarov stating:
We are ashamed that our state behaves like an insolent, out-of-control street thug.
The band members fled Russia immediately following the outbreak of the war, and in May–June 2022 they played 10 major charity benefit concerts together with the Ukrainian rock band «Nervy» and rapper Face, donating all proceeds to help war-affected Ukrainians.
Video: «Pornofilmy» — what Peskov will take to prison, Roma Zver, and life in exile
In his social media stories and posts, Vladimir actively covers the war in Ukraine and the war crimes committed by Russian armed forces. On April 3, 2022, a post displaying horrific photographs of atrocities committed by Russian forces in Bucha alongside candid text was published on the band's Instagram page:
This post was likewise published on the frontman's personal Instagram account, which was subsequently blocked by Russian censorship authorities.
On December 31, 2022, Kotlyarov published a New Year message expressing heartfelt support for the defenders of Ukraine:
Separately, I wish health, strength, and endurance to the heroic defenders of Ukraine. For me, you have become a shining example of true courage and a living embodiment of the word 'heroism'! May good prevail over evil in the new year, may despised Putinist fascism be utterly crushed and cast into hell alongside all who support it! May 2023 be a year of peace, renewal, and repentance!
Currently, the entire lineup of the band has relocated for permanent residence to Tbilisi, Georgia.
In June and September 2024, Kotlyarov was fined 50,000 rubles twice for "discrediting the Russian army." The accumulation of two administrative convictions under this statute within one year frequently serves under Russian law as the basis for initiating criminal proceedings carrying prison sentences.
The band is included on the blacklist of forbidden performers, whose concerts the Russian authorities deem undesirable across the country due to their staunch anti-war stance.
What Vladimir Kotlyarov Says About the War in Ukraine: Quotes
So, this is no 'special operation' whatsoever; this is a war against the entire peaceful civilian population of Ukraine. It is endlessly shameful that Russia is acting as the occupier today. NO TO WAR! STOP THE WAR! NOT A SINGLE CITIZEN OF RUSSIA NEEDS THIS WAR! We are plummeting into an abyss, and this must be stopped immediately!
In early March of last year, I made the decision to leave Russia. Several days prior, we had travelled from Dubna to Moscow to attend an anti-war rally. I was convinced that the start of this vile, treacherous war would be the final straw for the Russian people. After all, this wasn't about barring independent candidates from elections, nor corruption, palaces, or yachts, nor even the poisoning of Navalny! Right before the eyes of the entire world, the state had unleashed a full-scale war, attacked peaceful Ukraine, is wiping its cities from the face of the earth, and killing men, women, the elderly, and children. How much agony and terror Russia has brought into the home of every Ukrainian! How many shattered lives!
Life split into 'before' and 'after.' For none of us will it ever be the same again. We aren't even talking about personal plans that collapsed in an instant. The pain we have been feeling for five months now cannot be dulled by anything. This war is the greatest tragedy.
The hardest time was the first days. Never in my life had I felt so crushed, lost, and morally broken. What shocked me most, probably, was that pervasive, massive indifference of Russians that I witnessed in those early days. It was shocking to see that there were people who actually welcomed and supported this horror. Soon after, those nauseating Z letters started appearing everywhere on billboards and cars. I looked at that and thought: 'How can this be? This simply cannot be real!' Wrapping my mind around it was perhaps the hardest ordeal. And now I think: the war will end, but these people will remain. How will anyone ever be able to live side by side with people like that?
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