'Gámer' - Oleg Sentsov

A filmmaker detained in the Crimea for alleged terrorist offenses faces 20 years in jail while international film figures have called for his release.

Oleg Sentsov, a Crimean filmmaker is accused of aiding several bombings in the capital and was an activist in the Ukrainian Democracy movement. The filmmaker reportedly held strong anti-Russian views on Crimea's annexation and his detainment has been widely seen as politically motivated.

Amnesty International confirmed that Sentsov was beaten and "threatened with rape" while being forced to admit offenses he committed.

This week, the filmmaker's detention was extended by 3 months while a verdict is reached, and he could now face a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail.

The 38-year-old filmmaker's first feature film 'Gámer' debuted at the Rotterdam Film Festival back in 2011 and his latest film project 'Rhino' won a pitching contest award at the Odessa Film Festival. He has received support from the likes of Ken Loach, Wim Wenders, Pedro Almodovar, Béla Tarr and many more.

The European Film Academy has issued a letter to President Putin appealing for his swift release.