Timur Bekmambetov
Russian crisis favors filmmakers
Published 08 June, 2009, 13:57
The global financial turmoil has proved fatal for many industries, but Russian cinema will only benefit from it. A renowned Russian director is positive the crisis will pave the way for a new generation of filmmakers.
Timur Bekmambetov asserts that, “The scrapes the world is facing now let young directors stand a better chance.”
He also claims that, despite the economic downturn, Russians are very unlikely to deny themselves the pleasure of going to the movies: “We are extremely sociable. We want to spend time together, so I doubt very much that people will give up the chance to go to the cinema and socialize.”
The “Movie Research” company has reported that the first quarter of this year was marked by an 11.4 % slump in cinema attendance compared to last year. Still, movie ticket prices continue to rise.
The Russian Federation’s Ministry of Culture has already expressed its willingness to help Russian cinema during the current economic instability, by placing an order for films with social topics.
In December 2009, a new science fiction film will be released in Russia. ‘Black Lightning’ will depict the first native Russian superhero. Bekmambetov is the producer of the picture, and the directors are Aleksandr Voitinsky and Dmitry Kiselev.
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