In the Rodniki microdistrict of Novosibirsk, a cinema is screening Avatar: The Way of Water in defiance of sanctions restrictions, a fact reported by NGS.RU through its portal coverage. The second installment of James Cameron’s blockbuster is being shown in a single cinema location set in a distant neighborhood, yet the event has drawn noticeable attention from local viewers and media alike.
According to reports, online ticket sales are not available for these screenings. Patrons are directed to purchase tickets in person at the theater box office, operating on a first come, first served basis. As of early January, tickets for the screenings were exhausted, with no further seats released after the fifth of January. This has left many enthusiasts waiting in lines, hoping for a last minute opening or a chance cancellation that could free up seats.
Observers describe a mood of mix between bold persistence and pragmatic risk among cinema staff and audiences. A member of the audience remarked that the theater had demonstrated a fearless approach to bringing the film to local fans, and stressed that the theater should not be overshadowed by external pressures. The sentiment reflects a broader dynamic where certain exhibitors navigate regulatory boundaries in pursuit of cultural events and audience engagement.
Historically, James Cameron discussed Avatar 2 in terms of its commercial aspirations, noting that the film would need to appeal to broad audiences to join the ranks of the highest grossing productions. Cameron has expressed expectations that the film would rank among the top ten in box office history, underscoring the confidence behind its global reception and the strategic importance of strong international performance. In this regional context, the local screening in Novosibirsk is part of a wider conversation about how major film releases circulate under varying regulatory and market conditions, and how audiences respond when presented with alternative access routes to premieres and popular titles.