The Ministry of Culture revoked the distribution certificates of seven films

Among them are four Russian paintings

At least seven films have been deprived of their distribution certificates on the initiative of the Ministry of Culture since March 1, when the law “on the protection of traditional values” in cinema came into force in the country. “Vorstka” found the relevant information in the ministry’s register.

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Foreign films on this list touch on LGBT relationships

In March, the certificates were revoked from three foreign films that dealt with LGBT relationships. These are two films by Canadian director Xavier Dolan, “The Death and Life of John F. Donovan” and “Mathias and Maxime,” as well as the French film “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” which received two awards at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019.

It is unknown for what reason the certificates were revoked. The register states that this happened in accordance with the orders of the Ministry of Culture No. 564, No. 510 and No. 563. These documents were not published in the public domain. Moreover, the first film had a distribution certificate valid until 2034, and the last two – certificates until 2029.

Russian films include crime thrillers, erotica and comedy.

In addition, in March-April, four more Russian films lost their certificates: the crime thrillers “Reshala 2” and “Reshala. Zero", the erotic film "Russian Lolita" and the comedy "To Paris" about Soviet soldiers who went AWOL.

On March 1, a law on the protection of “traditional values” in cinema came into force in Russia, which expanded the powers of the Ministry of Culture. Now the ministry has the right to refuse to issue distribution certificates to films that “discredit” or deny “traditional values.” In addition, the Ministry of Culture can now make changes to previously issued rental certificates. Previously, such changes were initiated only at the request of copyright holders.

Photo: Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation

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