Russian cinemas are likely to completely stop the practice of “grey” distribution of Western films in the coming months, said Alexei Voronkov, chairman of the Cinema Owners Association.
Whether highly anticipated blockbusters such as “Avengers: Doctor Doom” and “Dune: Part III” can be officially released depends directly on the outcome of negotiations with Hollywood studios, but even under the most favorable circumstances, the premiere will not be earlier than April 1, 2027.
As a result, the domestic film market faces the risk of a long-term lack of high-profile Hollywood premieres, as the traditional shadow import film program is being phased out and the prospect of a full return of major films remains extremely uncertain.
