New Cinemas Unlock Digital Screening Across Yakutia
On the eve of a national cinema celebration, the head of Yakutia Aisen Nikolaev and the chief executive of Extra Cinema, Pyotr Chiryaev, jointly launched the operation of 15 new cinemas connected to a digital platform in villages across the republic. The news comes from Extra Cinema, with the involvement of Yakut developers and the regional government press service, marking a clear step in expanding access to film throughout remote communities.
“We have teams building cinema technology from the ground up. The goal goes beyond producing a film; it includes creating screening opportunities and investing in promotion. Everyone in the industry should take part, not only the state-owned company Sakhafilm, not only private firms, but all entities connected to the film sector”, stated Aisen Nikolaev, the head of Yakutia. This sentiment reflects a broader push to mobilize a wider network of partners to sustain cultural and economic benefits from cinema in the region.
Earlier, President Vladimir Putin directed the federal government to explore widespread use of Yakut technology in small local theaters, signaling support for advancing regional film infrastructure and innovation. The development aligns with efforts to modernize screening venues and bring more programming to people in distant communities.
In addition, August 26 will see openings of new cinemas in the Zharkhansky national village of the Olekminsky nation and in the Chukarsky village of the Nyurbinsky nation, reinforcing a year of accelerated cinema access across Yakutia.
The Extra Cinema project has been operating since 2022, focusing on filming in small settlements and cultural centers within the republic. Last year saw the opening of 10 theaters, and the plan for 2023 includes 17 new venues, continuing a trend of expanding regional film distribution and local content creation.
During the Day of Russian Cinema, audiences will be invited to view new productions including Hapsygyyy directed by Aiyy Tyynnaah Er Sanaa Okh-Khotor, Lokuut want Nyurguhun directed by Konstantin Timofeev, Timir directed by Nikolai Koryakin, and Meat directed by Stepan Burnashev. The event also recognized Stepan Poryadin and Dmitry Davydov with a certificate of 300 thousand rubles for their contributions to the industry.
Plans extend beyond film screenings to infrastructure that supports all phases of production. A full-loop, multifunctional film pavilion is set to rise in the republic’s capital, featuring filming facilities, sound recording, editing, color correction, and visual effects studios. It will also house decor and props workshops, creating a complete, in-house production ecosystem. The Yakutsk pavilion is envisioned as the only full-cycle film technology center in the Far East, with a capacity to support up to 25 films and series annually.
This initiative not only broadens local access to cinema but also positions Yakutia as a hub for regional storytelling and technical prowess in film production. With sustained investment, communities across the republic can benefit from improved cultural programming, job creation, and potential collaboration with national and international partners interested in authentic regional narratives and advanced production facilities.
Citations: Extra Cinema press materials; Yakutia regional government communications.