Alexander Pankratov-Cherny, a People’s Artist of the Russian Federation and a veteran actor, spoke about pension levels during the 1st Antares International Film Festival in Sochi. The discussion highlighted the disparity between official pension payments and the actual living costs faced by performers in modern Russia. The remarks were reported by aif.ru on the sidelines of the event.
The actor, now 75 years old, pointed to the basic pension amount of 17,600 rubles as something that does not align with the needs of a long career in the arts. He emphasized that many stage veterans are living on modest pensions that do not reflect the value of their contributions to culture and society. He noted that this situation is especially challenging given rising medical expenses and the ongoing costs of healthcare. In his words, pension funds should better reflect the realities of aging performers who still seek to stay active and contribute to the arts. (attribution: aif.ru)
To supplement this base support, the actor praised the decision by Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin to provide an additional monthly payment of 30,000 rubles to national and honored artists residing in Moscow. He explained that this extra allowance brings the pension for Moscow-based artists to about 47,600 rubles per month. While grateful, he acknowledged that many performers may need to explore additional sources of income if their health prevents them from continuing to work on stage or in film. He shared a personal example of a colleague who, after needing to stop acting, found another line of work to support himself. He described the experience as a reminder of the precarious balance many artists must strike between health, income, and the desire to keep working. (attribution: aif.ru)
The discussion also touched on the broader issue of how aging performers navigate career transitions. The topic raised questions about how public figures manage their finances and how city-level health and social support can influence the livelihoods of actors who have spent decades in the spotlight. The conversation pointed to the reality that even with government supplements, the economics of an artistic career can be unpredictable, and many artists rely on a mix of state support, private opportunities, and informal networks to stay financially afloat. (attribution: aif.ru)
In related coverage, other actors and public figures have weighed in on pension adequacy and social protections for cultural workers. The dialogue underscores a common theme: preserving the dignity of long-standing artists while adapting social policy to contemporary living costs. Observers note that pension discussions among performers often reflect broader debates about pension reform, public funding for the arts, and health care access for older citizens, including those who helped shape the national cultural landscape. (attribution: aif.ru)
As the film community in Russia evaluates these matters, attention turns to how pension policy and health services can better support aging artists, both in Moscow and across the country. The experience of Pankratov-Cherny and his peers illustrates the need for clear, sustainable strategies that ensure artistic careers remain viable late into life, without compromising health or financial security. (attribution: aif.ru)