New Russian law restricts films seen as against traditional valuesCEFR B2
13 Mar 2026
Adapted from Daria Dergacheva, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Egor Myznik, Unsplash
On 1 March 2026 a Russian law came into effect that bars distribution and screening of films it deems to discredit "traditional Russian spiritual and moral values." The Ministry of Culture may refuse distribution licences for films it finds contrary to those values or that "promote" their rejection. The rules explicitly cover cinemas, online streaming services and social media.
Some Russian media say the law will apply to both foreign and domestic films. Officials will monitor titles that could be interpreted as promoting "non-traditional relationships" or rejecting family values, and several well-known directors have been named as at risk.
It is not yet clear which specific films will be targeted. World Pictures confirmed that the 2005 film "Nuremberg," due to premiere in Russia on 19 March 2026, will not be released because the Ministry of Culture did not provide a distribution licence and cited paragraph 19, subparagraph Z of the rules on distribution certificates. Other films already denied release include the Sundance film "Splitsville," Jafar Panahi’s Palme d’Or winner "It Was Just an Accident," and Michael Angelo Covino’s "Splitsville." Officials said Panahi’s film contains materials that violate Russian legislation, including alleged promotion of violence, extremism and non-traditional sexual relationships.
Foreign streaming services have not worked in Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Domestic platforms remain popular, but illegal streaming of pirated material is rising, a trend that followed a June 2024 law that eased punishment for copyright infringement.
- Radio Svoboda says the law defines "traditional values" to include patriotism and civic-mindedness,
- service to the fatherland and responsibility for its fate,
- a strong family and high moral ideals,
- productive labour and the priority of the spiritual over the material.
Difficult words
- bar — officially prevent something from being donebars
- deem — consider or judge something in a particular waydeems
- discredit — harm people's trust in someone or something
- distribution — process of supplying or delivering goods or media
- licence — official document allowing an activity or releaselicences
- alleged — reported or claimed but not yet proven
- pirate — copy or share media illegally without permissionpirated
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might this law affect filmmakers and the kinds of films shown in Russia? Give reasons from the text.
- Why could easing punishment for copyright infringement lead to more illegal streaming? Use information from the article.
- The law lists several "traditional values". Which of these do you think could be interpreted in different ways, and why?
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