State Duma Deputy Evgeny Marchenko has proposed a legislative initiative to deny distribution licenses to foreign films that promote derogatory stereotypes of Russian citizens, the Soviet era, or the nation’s military forces.
“This measure targets films containing insulting, disparaging, or fallacious tropes that are demeaning to our national identity. The issuance of screening permits for such productions will be strictly prohibited,”
Marchenko stated. To illustrate his concerns, he cited the action sequel Rambo III, which he claims depicts “cruel and inhumane” behavior by Soviet troops toward civilians, and the HBO series The Sopranos for its portrayal of the Russian mafia and women.
“In my view, all such content should be barred from domestic screens. By doing so, we will incentivize Hollywood and Western studios to produce high-quality, respectful narratives regarding Russia and its people.”
The legislative fate of this proposal is currently pending. Notably, as of March 1, Russia has already implemented a ban on distribution certificates for films deemed to undermine the country’s traditional spiritual and moral foundations.
Photo: A still from The Bourne Identity (2002)
