The General Director of Mosfilm Cinema Concern and People’s Artist of Russia, Karen Shakhnazarov, recently argued that the apparent success of Russian cinema is deceptive. He warned that chasing illusionary wins could harm the sector’s true progress, a sentiment he attributed to remarks reported by TASS.
According to Shakhnazarov, there is not a clear sense of sustained triumph for Russian cinema at the moment. He emphasized that a real opportunity now exists for the industry, but he cautioned that foreign producers are increasingly active in the market while the domestic scene remains effectively closed to broader participation. This dynamic creates a tension between external competition and internal capacity that the industry must navigate carefully.
Shakhnazarov also acknowledged the need for a higher volume of productions to stay responsive to audience demand. He noted that roughly 120 films are produced in Russia each year, yet such a pace may be insufficient to saturate the market effectively. His point rested on the math of cinema distribution: only about one in four projects tends to reach theaters, suggesting that increasing output could improve overall access to films and potentially diversify the slate available to viewers.
To illustrate, he proposed a scenario where film output could rise significantly—if production reached 300 titles annually, then at least 60 films might secure theatrical releases. In his view, this level of activity would help keep screens busy and attract audiences who crave variety. Yet he remarked that simply increasing quantity is not enough; the industry must also raise the quality of its offerings. He indicated that some observers believe more compelling productions would help theatres, but achieving that improvement remains a challenge.
In discussing strategies to boost audience engagement with state-supported cinema, Shakhnazarov touched on the affordability of tickets. He suggested that lowering ticket prices could lift interest and attendance, particularly for works produced with public funds or government backing. The idea is to bridge the gap between high-quality content and accessible, affordable viewing for the general public, thereby expanding the cinema’s reach without compromising creative integrity.
Looking to the future, there are ongoing developments that could affect the industry’s trajectory. One notable item is the news that a new musical, inspired by the theme of the historical work “Two Captains” after the event “Nord-Ost,” is planned to be staged in Russia. This development signals a continued appetite for large-scale, music-centered projects that blend national memory with contemporary production capabilities. It also reflects a broader trend toward cross-genre performances that can draw in wider audiences and create a more varied cultural calendar for theaters and cinema houses alike. [Source: TASS]