Russia Drafts Guidelines for Films and TV to Promote Traditional Family Values
2 sources · Latvia
Who reported this
- Meduza
- Novaya Gazeta Europe
What the colours mean
- Left
- Centre-left
- Centre
- Centre-right
- Right
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Russia has developed a set of recommendations for film studios and content creators aimed at preserving and strengthening the traditional Russian family as a spiritual and moral value. The document, which is over 100 pages long, provides detailed principles for storylines, character development, and visual approaches for movies, TV series, and online content. According to reports from RBC, the guidelines suggest depicting the family as a bastion of stability amid external turbulence and advise against portraying family life as a restriction on personal freedom. The recommendations also suggest avoiding the depiction of family crises, betrayal, or abandonment as emotionally appealing content and discourage caricatured portrayals of parents and the older generation. Additionally, the document emphasizes that patriotism and love for one's native region should be presented as a natural extension of family values.
There is conflicting information regarding the origin of the document. Sources cited by RBC claim the State Duma Information Policy Committee drafted the recommendations. However, Committee head Sergey Boyarsky denied this, stating the guidelines are a voluntary effort by the industry to self regulate. Vladimir Trunov, director for government relations at Tricolor, confirmed the document is under discussion with media market participants but noted it has not been finalized.
These guidelines emerge as Russia implements stricter controls on media. As of March 1, 2026, Russia will ban the showing of films that discredit traditional spiritual and moral values, a rule that applies to both theatrical releases and streaming services. Some streaming platforms have already begun censoring content in anticipation of this ban. Other related measures include the development of checks for AI models to ensure they align with spiritual and moral values, as well as the integration of traditional values into advertising and government support evaluations for businesses.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- Both outlets frame the guidelines as part of a broader trend of state control and censorship over creative expression and technology.
Sources
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