World news
🎞 Law on “protecting traditional values” in film comes into force
A new law has come into force under which films that “deny or disparage traditional Russian spiritual and moral values” will no longer be able to obtain a distribution certificate.
The measure officially took effect on 1 March.
The Ministry of Culture can now revoke or amend previously issued certificates without the rights holder’s consent if the content is deemed to violate the new standards.
Online cinemas and social networks are obliged to remove materials judged to be disparaging.
Not only new releases but also previously issued films and series may be subjected to review.
Findings on violations will be issued jointly by the Ministry of Culture and Roskomnadzor.
Opinions in the State Duma are split: Elena Drapeko says she hopes producers will resort to self-censorship, while Dmitry Pevtsov doubts the law’s effectiveness, citing the lack of clear criteria and a dedicated staff of professional editors.
In Russia