New Russian law restricts films seen as against traditional valuesCEFR A1
13 Mar 2026
Adapted from Daria Dergacheva, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Egor Myznik, Unsplash
- A new law bans some films shown in Russia.
- The law officially targets films against traditional values.
- The Ministry of Culture can refuse licences for distribution.
- It covers cinemas, streaming platforms and social media.
- Some films will be watched for family theme concerns.
- Some film directors are named as at risk.
- Foreign streaming services are not working in Russia.
- Pirated streaming is growing and causing local concern.
- It is not clear yet which films.
- People worry about freedom of speech.
Difficult words
- ban — To stop something by law or rulebans
- licence — Official permission to do or use somethinglicences
- distribution — The act of giving or selling to many people
- streaming — Watching video or audio over the internet
- pirated — Copied or shared without legal permission
- freedom of speech — Right to say ideas and opinions freely
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you watch films on streaming platforms?
- Are you worried about freedom of speech?
- Have you seen films that family members watch together?
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