Russian authorities want films to be more patriotic

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2008

MOSCOW (AFP) — New Russian Culture Minister Alexander Avdeyev on Wednesday called for filmmakers to produce movies that are more patriotic, media reports said.

From next year there would be financing available for the making of such films and the authorities intended to approach eminent producers on the subject, Avdeyev told parliamentarians, according to agency reports.

The minister also said the number of Russian language films was steadily increasing and currently stood at nearly 30 percent.

Avdeyev was ambassador to France before being named in his current role in May. He has also denounced the poor quality of many television programmes.

Russian cinema currently benefits from a system of subsidies although these are often allocated to filmmakers...