Director Alexander Sokurov warned that Russian cinema could drift toward insignificance if the industry fails to keep pace with technological advances and to engage with the global festival circuit. He warned that the art form could shrink into a kind of gray mass — a bland, indistinct sprawl that loses its vitality and its ability to speak powerfully to audiences both at home and abroad if modern equipment is not adopted and if opportunities for international exposure remain limited.
In his view, the survival of Russian cinema hinges on access to up-to-date tools, ongoing internships for practitioners, and sustained participation in major international film festivals. Without these elements, he argued, the distinctive voice of contemporary Russian filmmaking could degrade, undermining the depth and seriousness of artistic expression that once defined the national cinema scene.
Sokurov underscored that the current process for obtaining distribution certificates can hinder creative experimentation and slow the development of both feature-length and documentary projects. He highlighted that bureaucratic hurdles can dampen the momentum of new voices, making it harder for emerging directors, screenwriters, and documentary filmmakers to bring their visions to the screen and connect with audiences around the world.
He emphasized the need for artistic freedom among young creators, noting that unshackled experimentation is essential for the evolution of cinema. When fresh perspectives are free to explore and challenge established norms, the industry benefits from a richer repertoire, more diverse storytelling, and a stronger cultural footprint that resonates beyond national borders.
Recent industry developments have illustrated the challenges faced by domestic studios. For instance, Lenfilm, a prominent film studio with a long history, faced difficulties in meeting a presidential directive to replace foreign equipment with domestically produced alternatives, simply because suitable local options were not available at the time. This example reflects broader tensions between maintaining high production standards and supporting national equipment industries, a balance that has significant implications for the speed and scope of Russian film production.