In discussions tied to the Cinema Fund, there is a clear projection that by 2025 the fund will back no fewer than 60 audience-focused films each year. This outlook comes from Vladimir Tolstoy, who serves as a cultural and artistic adviser to the Russian presidential administration, and who emphasizes that the intention is to sustain a robust pipeline of cinema that resonates with domestic audiences (Source: Cinema Fund).
Tolstoy notes that although funding for filmmaking has risen, the sector still faces obstacles related to operational freedom and the pace of financial transactions. He explains that film production remains a long-term endeavor, typically spanning around three years from initial development to final release, and that the timing of fund disbursements has historically constrained project progress. To address this, he states that the Cinema Fund has petitioned the Ministry of Finance for broader, more flexible financing options for the upcoming year, enabling smoother cash flow and timely project progression (Source: Cinema Fund).
Reflecting on strategic government support, Tolstoy recalls several presidential directives aimed at strengthening national cinema production. He suggests that if the Ministry of Finance implements these guidelines, the country could see a new domestic release every week, broadening the year-round availability of locally produced content. He also observes that, in the wake of reduced Hollywood content, there is a push for a more balanced release calendar so audiences have consistent access to fresh national films rather than clustering around holidays or special dates (Source: Cinema Fund).
Earlier remarks highlighted plans for approximately 30 state-supported features to debut before year-end 2023, including titles such as Nuremberg and The Challenge. Tolstoy’s remarks reflect a broader aim to diversify the slate of publicly funded projects and ensure that a steady stream of homegrown cinema reaches theaters, streaming platforms, and community screenings across the country (Source: Cinema Fund).”}