Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged ongoing backing for the country’s animation sector, signaling a sustained government effort to strengthen a creative industry that combines storytelling, technology, and education. Reports from Interfax outline the president’s discussions with Yuliana Slashcheva, the chair of Soyuzmultfilm Film Studio and the head of the Association of Animation Film Industry Organizations, highlighting a clear policy stance aimed at boosting domestic animation capabilities and market presence.
Industry observers note a marked expansion in Russia’s animation output over the past five years, with production of homegrown cartoons rising substantially. In 2023 a slate of 14 feature-length animated films was anticipated, underscoring momentum in script development, production pipelines, and cross-media collaborations. A key proposal emerging from these discussions is the establishment of a dedicated cinema-oriented economic zone in Moscow. The vision, dubbed the Moscow International Film Cluster, would, under city government auspices, offer privileges, tax incentives, and potential development opportunities designed to attract investment, nurture talent, and streamline the growth of both film and animation projects. There was also a call to align animation with the IT sector in policy terms and to evaluate options for preferential tax treatment to bolster local creative enterprises, with discussions referencing a favorable tax framework as part of broader economic support.
Putin affirmed that these sectors are interconnected and emphasized the need to address gaps in the licensing landscape for toy production and derivatives based on children’s content. He noted that only a fraction of this category is produced domestically, urging the Ministry of Industry and Trade to channel subsidies toward Russian manufacturers. “This matters deeply—it’s a substantial industry and a crucial component of education and cultural outreach,” stated one of the coordinating figures in the dialogue, who reflected a shared commitment to practical measures. The president indicated that concrete steps would be taken to advance these initiatives, underscoring the importance of domestic capacity and innovation in the creative economy.
During the year 2022, the government marked a milestone by adopting a framework that recognizes Animation Day within the Russian Federation, a symbolic gesture celebrated on April 8, reinforcing the cultural and economic value of animated storytelling as part of the national dialogue today.