Russian authorities plan to collect a percentage from the rental of foreign films. The money raised in this way will be used to support local cinema. This was announced by director Nikita Mikhalkov to TASS on June 30.
It is not yet known exactly what percentage we are talking about. Mikhalkov noted that this should be determined by “experts in the economic field.” He also added that the authorities want to get money for the release of a foreign film, explaining that a similar amount of support for local cinema exists in other countries:
In addition, the “entrance ticket” will be paid – simply so that a particular foreign film is considered, so that it is shown on the screen. This practice was not invented by us; It exists, for example, in France and China. This definitely does not mean that we will not see foreign cinema.
According to the director, this is just one of several planned actions aimed at supporting Russian cinema.
In March 2026, at a meeting of the Council of Culture, Mikhalkov complained to Putin that the Ministry of Culture was delaying the adoption of a document that would allow the introduction of quotas in foreign cinema. In response, the President called on Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova to speed up this process.
Putin, like Mikhalkov, cited France and China as examples, where such operations are “strictly regulated.” Later in June, the idea of introducing quotas for foreign films emerged Supported General Director of Channel One and film producer Konstantin Ernst. He also mentioned France as an example.
France imposes an 11% tax on every ticket sold. books Telegram channel “The Raft”. This money goes to support national cinema. However, this tax applies to all films, whether foreign or French.