Russian authorities are beginning to investigate films that have been screened without official permission, as part of a new law aimed at protecting traditional Russian values.
Russian authorities are set to scrutinize films that have been shown in theaters without the necessary official permission, spurred by a new directive from the Ministry of Culture aimed at establishing a special expert team to evaluate these works. This initiative is expected to intensify after a law goes into effect on March 1, which prohibits films that purportedly discredit traditional spiritual and moral values of Russia. The authorities state they will investigate based on complaints and have stated that individuals submitting complaints do not have to disclose their identities.
Film academy rector Vladimir Malyšev has raised concerns about the return of stringent state censorship reminiscent of the Soviet era. His warnings highlight the fears within the creative community regarding potential suppression of artistic expression and further restrictions on content that could be deemed counter to state-sanctioned values. Given the high stakes involved, the film industry anticipates significant repercussions, as many creators may feel pressured to self-censor their work to avoid censorship actions.
The new law not only impacts theatrical releases but also extends to films released on online platforms with over 100,000 users, indicating a broad reach of state control over digital content distribution. With the Ministry's intention to consult experts from various fields when necessary, it reveals an increasing centralization of authority in cultural matters, raising alarm regarding the implications for freedom of expression and artistic integrity in the Russian media landscape.
