Director Akim Salbiev spoke during a meeting hosted by MK.ru about a bold proposal from lawmakers. The idea to allow the screening of foreign films from countries deemed unfriendly without obtaining a proper license has drawn sharp comparisons to piracy. The discussion centers on whether a wider, license-free access to international cinema could undermine existing licensing norms or harm domestic film markets.
Salbiev dismissed the notion of a free, licenseless broadcast as a risky shortcut. He described it in blunt terms, likening it to theft and a disregard for intellectual property. In his view, both parliament and the Ministry of Culture should turn their attention inward, considering how national cinemas are funded and how audiences connect with Russian storytelling on screens big and small alike.
The director pointed to the success of recent domestic releases such as Cheburashka and Kholop as evidence of a strengthening Russian cinema landscape. He argued that audiences in Russia would not gain fresh insight from films produced in hostile nations and that the cultural conversation should prioritize homegrown voices. Salbiev touched on concerns about what he termed an intellectual uproar around foreign productions and asserted that foreign cinema does not offer newsreels worth chasing when national cinema is developing on its own terms.
Earlier statements from the law’s authors—those who drafted licensing provisions for Western films—reflected a belief that there is no desire to permit unrestricted showings of foreign titles to Russian audiences. The commentary underscored a broader debate about cultural policy, economic protection, and the future direction of film distribution in the country.
Throughout the exchange, Salbiev emphasized a cautious approach to licensing that would safeguard domestic production and distribution channels. He suggested that the government and cultural institutions should collaborate to support filmmakers and ensure that audiences still have access to a diverse, high-quality slate of films while maintaining necessary safeguards against piracy. The dialogue highlighted a tension between openness to international cinema and commitments to national cultural priorities, a balance that many industry leaders say requires thoughtful policy design and robust enforcement mechanisms.
Observers noted that the conversation touched on broader questions about how cultural ecosystems adapt to global markets, the role of regulators in shaping exhibition standards, and the responsibilities of cinemas to curate content responsibly. The exchange pointed to ongoing negotiations about licensing structure, potential exemptions, and how new models might coexist with traditional distribution frameworks. In this light, the parties urged careful consideration of both the economic stakes for domestic distributors and the artistic impulse that drives Russian filmmakers to tell local stories with universal appeal. Attribution: commentary from industry insiders and cultural commentators recorded in the public briefings.