Domestic films in Russia suffered a 2.1% dip at the box office in 2012.

Russian films accounted for just 13.8% of the country’s total box office of $1.35bn (40.5bn rubles) over the 12-month period.

Russia’s leading film studios accounted for only 7.5% of that figure, according to analytical agency Romir Movie Research.

However, the country’s total box office takings in 2012 grew by 15% year-on-year, up from $1.16bn (35.2bn RUB) in 2011

The domestic results prove disappointing for the government, which had hoped to secure an 18.2% share with Russian movies in total box office.

Analysts claim that one reason behind the poor results is the poor performance of Russian blockbusters at the domestic box office, including those backed by the National Film Fund.

According to leading producer Sergey Selyanov, piracy has significantly hurt local productions and claims it is easier to watch Russian movies on a home computer than most Hollywood blockbasters.

Another top producer, Alexander Rodnyansky, claims that low fees has also hit total box office takings.

Poor results have already forced the Russian government to announce plans that will review the system of state support for national cinema in 2013.

According to a recent statement from Deputy Prime Minister Vladislav Surkov, this years National Film Fund budget (which distributes state funds among Russia’s leading film studios) will be reduced from 3.9bn to 3bn rubles, of which 1bn will be exclusively distributed on a returnable basis.

The fund will be able to take back all the provided funds or claim a share in the profits of the movie in proportion to funds invested in it. The government will also allow funding of distribution, in which case the repayment should be between 50% and 100%.

Top 10 box office (Russia, 2012)

  1. Ice Age: Continental Drift - 1,640bn RUB (7,667m tickets)
  2. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted - 1,604bn RUB (7,444m)
  3. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 - 1,358bn RUB (6,173m)
  4. The Avengers - 1,278bn RUB (4,952m)
  5. Men in Black 3 - 1,152bn RUB (4,559m)
  6. John Carter - 993,797m RUB (3,755m)
  7. Skyfall - 787,113m RUB (3,234m)
  8. The Amazing Spider-Man - 717,766m RUB (3,039m)
  9. Prometheus - 710,717m RUB (2,742m)
  10. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - 660m RUB (2,300m)

Top 5 Russian films (2012)

  1. Duhless - 414,297m RUB
  2. Jungles - 367,369m RUB
  3. That Carloson - 308,201m RUB
  4. August Eighth - 295,919m RUB
  5. Brigada: Naslednik - 245,448m RUB

Topics