The head of Russia’s Ministry of Culture, Olga Lyubimova, spoke in an interview about the state of the country’s film and theater scene. She acknowledged that the current environment presents significant challenges but emphasized that theatrical performances will keep going regardless of the difficulties. The minister described the cinematic sector as operating within a very tough climate, noting that the cinema industry faces notable struggles as well as opportunities to adapt.
She highlighted ongoing efforts to boost the visibility of Russian films and to strengthen domestic distribution. The ministry aims to increase the share of locally produced movies on screens, outlining a plan to release roughly 300 new Russian films each year, with about 60 of them expected to reach large screens. This ambitious target reflects a concerted push to cultivate national cinema and ensure a steady flow of homegrown content for audiences.
Lyubimova pointed to a substantial financial commitment from the federal budget dedicated to domestic film production. Earlier this year, around 11.6 billion rubles were allocated to bolster the sector, a move designed to safeguard the film industry’s vitality. In addition, the Pushkin Card program has involved cinema venues since February, with more than seven million tickets sold to date. While these measures have provided meaningful support, the minister stressed that they are not a complete solution and that the ministry is actively exploring new approaches to strengthen film distribution and exhibition.
The minister also noted that the Russian cinema model functions under different economic dynamics than many foreign markets. Russia possesses a rich reservoir of film and television content, underscored by intellectual property from many countries and diverse creators. The industry has historically drawn in collaborations from American, European, and other writers and producers, which has influenced the kinds of stories brought to the screen. Given the evolving landscape, the cinema sector must recalibrate its strategies to remain financially viable. This includes rethinking how projects are financed, how partners are negotiated with, and how audiences are reached in a crowded media environment.
The conversation touched on the need for careful financial planning and strategic partnerships to attract audiences. It is essential to identify new paths for distribution, cultivate relationships with broadcasters and streaming platforms, and develop channels that resonate with local viewers while maintaining cultural relevance. The ministry is attentive to market realities and is pursuing solutions that can sustain both the production of new films and the vitality of cinemas throughout the country.
Earlier reports from the Federation Council noted a significant drop in box office receipts for Russian cinemas, with declines ranging from approximately 56 to 70 percent in certain periods. These figures underscore the urgency of stabilizing the industry’s revenue streams and ensuring that theaters remain accessible and appealing to diverse audiences across Russia.