Foreign movie imports could face new taxes, suggests Shahnazarov.
Fresh Take:
Hey there! It seems that a new storm could be brewing in the world of cinema, with a hint of potential protectionist measures on the horizon. If you haven't heard, the big shot, Donald Trump, suggested a whopping 100% tariff on foreign-produced films, and, get this, Russia might just follow suit!
Karen Shakhnazarov, the Deputy Chairman of the Culture Council, believes that perhaps it's time to safeguard our local film market, which, as it stands, is as pampered as a kitten but without a single scratch. "Our film market is completely naked and unprotected," Shakhnazarov told TASS, adding that our homegrown filmmakers deserve a bit of lovin'.
If Hollywood's blockbusters make a comeback to Russian screens, our domestic filmmakers would face a real juggernaut, Shakhnazarov warned. But it's too early to pop the champagne or grab the popcorn just yet—this is some pretty complex stuff we're talking about here.
Let's take a little trip down memory lane. Back on May 14, Variety reported that Lionsgate, the American film company behind the ever-popular "John Wick" franchise, has set a release date for "Ballerina," a spin-off, in Russia. Now, isn't that fascinating?!
Now, you might be wondering, "What's the big deal, aren't Lionsgate and their mates just returning after a funny little spat?" Well, hold on to your hats, because Lionsgate and other bigwigs like Disney, Paramount, Sony, Universal, and Warner Bros., had taken a break from gracing our screens since the Ukraine conflict kicked off in 2022.
So, what could this mean for our local film market? Well, if we were to throw up those protective tariffs, our local producers could stand a fighting chance against the giants of Hollywood. But it's not all rosy—it could also curb global collaboration, affect the quality and diversity of films, irk other countries, and even harm our broader economic interests. We're somehow juggling cultural richness and economic stability here, folks.
Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling saga! All eyes are on Russia as we decide whether to lean in on this potentially game-changing move. In the meantime, get yourself comfortable and stream some Russian films—who knows, you might discover a new favorite!
Until next time, happy streaming!
Elizaveta Shmakova
The suggested tariff on foreign-produced films by Donald Trump might not only affect the cinema industry but also impact the finance and business sectors, as it could lead to increased costs for consumers and businesses that rely on foreign films.
The subsequent protectionist measures proposed by Russia, if implemented, could have far-reaching implications in the realm of politics, potentially straining relationships with other countries that rely on film exports.
This potential shift in the film industry, with its potential effects on the political landscape, could have repercussions in the general-news sphere, as media outlets worldwide discuss the ramifications of such protectionist measures.
