Raw Censoring of Reality: The Saga of Silenced Screenplays in Russia
Censorship in Russian cinemas has suppressed the portrayal of Putin's fictional demise in the movie "Shattering of Peace"
On the silver screen, moments of gravity unfold – an eerie, yet familiar news flash announcing the demise of a dictator. But in today's Russia, these grim headlines don't seem to resonate with audiences in Okko, Wink, or "Kinopoisk" streaming services. Why? Because they've been blurred out in the sci-fi movie "World War Z."
Yes, you read that right. The scene that shouts, "What happened to Putin?" or "Putin is dead," has been veiled. These platforms have come under fire, thanks to the Telegram channel "Kinokrepost Commander." So much for open dialogue, huh?
But wait, this isn't the only instance of artistic oppression our friends in Moscow are grappling with. In April, the comedy flick "Day of the Radio" took a jarring turn, with some scenes becoming MIA, all thanks to 'unpatriotic' actors such as Maxim Pokrovsky and Ilya Lagutenko. Even the famed Ukrainian group "Vopli Vidopliasova" couldn't dodge the censorship bullet. Meanwhile, the screen names of notable figures like Mikhail Kozirev and Maxim Vitorgan were blurred in the credits.
So, where was the line drawn? In the beginning of April, Alexander Bastrykin – the head of the Investigative Committee of Russia – called for tightening the reins on "destructive content" distribution. That means control isn't just extending to the internet but also encompassing cinema, music, print media, and even video games! He also had a thing or two to say about messengers, believing they could be the gateway to enticing minors into criminal activity[1].
Got a couple of dollars to spare? Maybe loosen up and support Charter97, the online news platform that dishes out the inside scoop on all things censored and politically-charged in Russia. They also have presence on various social media platforms so you can stay hip to the scene. Just remember, it's not all fun and games behind that digital curtain...[2][3]
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The Creeping Wave of Censorship in Russia
- Child-Free Content Clampdown: Buddying up to the nursery? Think again! Russia's government is clamping down on films and series promoting a child-free lifestyle[4]. It's not just about content that encourages ditching the diapers; it's about characters who choose not to have kids, such as Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones or Samantha Jones from Sex and the City, being ushered out the proverbial door[1].
- The Shrek Shenanigans: Some reports suggest that Disney's lovable ogre, Shrek, might face some makeover magic due to his questioning of traditional family norms[2]. Will he be tamed, or will the rebellious spirit prevail? Stay tuned!
- A Screenplay under Scrutiny: Russia's cinema scene operates under a barrage of strict guidelines, with a crucial step before public release – the "screening certificate." This censorship system has been in place since 1993, but it has grown more stringent over the years, resulting in the expulsion of curse words and other "inappropriate" content[5].
In the realm of online streaming, movies-and-tv shows that highlight controversial topics, such as "Game of Thrones" and "Sex and the City," are becoming less accessible due to Russia's child-free content clampdown. This censorship wave also extends to beloved characters like Brienne of Tarth and Samantha Jones, who chose not to have children.
Disney's Shrek, known for challenging traditional family norms, might undergo changes, making a potential makeover that could alter his rebellious spirit, as he falls under Russia's scrutiny.
