Sources of financing & Co-productions

The Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation is the federal executive power body performing the functions of developing the State policy and normative and legal regulation in the sphere of culture, art, cultural heritage (including archeological heritage), cinematography, archiving, tourist activities, copyrights and associated rights.

The public funding of film production under the Russian law may not exceed 70% of the estimated value of its budget. In specific cases, taking into account the artistic and cultural significance of the film project could be decided about the public funding for "National film" up to 100%

To obtain public support, Russian producer of the film project should obtain the status of "National film". This status allows using the privilege of exemption from VAT (18%). For submission of documents for public support, the projects should not have the status of "National film", but must meet the requirements for this status.

The status can be granted after the decision has been made for project support.

The status of "National film" must be obtained before the project financing starts.

Ministry has prioritized films that examine the pressing issues facing Russia: military, patriotic and historical subjects, films for children and youth, vivid genre productions popular with audiences and debuts by talented creative artists. Each year Ministry publishes their prioritized subject for the current year.

Call for entries starts in the late spring and the results are usually published in June-July. Film has to be finished before the end of the current calendar year (exception for special projects).

Production
Completion funds
Special projects

Expert commission for documentary projects (chosen by the Ministry of Culture annually from the film professionals and Ministry representatives (40 people in 2014).

List of experts (Russian only): https://rgdoc.ru/news/40-chelovek-voshli-v-ekspertnyy-sovet-ministerstva-kultury-po-neigrovomu-kino/

All films must obtain distribution certificates to be screened in Russia. Film screening or/and distribution and theatrical release without a distribution certficate, that sets, in particular, methods of films’ using, isn’t allowed in Russia, except films screenings on terrestrial, cable and satellite TV in case that specific films had been made especially for such show and for the show at international film festivals on the territory of Russia if the film had been brought special for this show. Distribution certificate might not be given in case if the film has offensive language. (More information: https://rgdoc.ru/en/news/russian-documentary-guild-informs-about-changes-in-the-legislation-which-could-jeopardize-film-indus/)