The second week of the unique “month without foreign films” initiative has come to a close. Cinemas across Russia, following the Association of Cinema Owners’ recommendation, refrained from showing foreign films without official distribution certificates. The results are in, and they paint a grim picture – the absence of Western films led to a significant drop in box office revenue.
Reports indicate that the ban on foreign content had a clear impact on cinema earnings, with even the highly anticipated “A Hundred Years Ahead” failing to attract viewers. Some theaters had to temporarily shut down to regroup, while others are relying on the success of the unofficial screening of “Dune 2” to stay afloat.
While revenue decline was evident, some sources suggest that the “month without foreign films” did not have a major effect, attributing low attendance to viewers opting for summer activities. However, cinemas that defied the ban are feeling the financial strain.
There is disappointment over the fate of “Ministry of Gentlemanly Affairs,” which missed its screening dates. Revenue has plummeted, highlighting the need for a focus on improving the quality of local films rather than enforcing bans on foreign content. It seems that simply prohibiting Western films is not enough to draw audiences to theaters.
The initiative by the Association of Cinema Owners can be deemed a failure. As the “month without foreign films” nears its end on May 12th, it is evident that future similar campaigns may be rare, if they happen at all.
Original article from www.playground.ru