No more drama: Russian Ministry of Culture says cinemas are opening with happy films only

Russia’s Ministry of Culture has announced that cinemas are set to scrap dramas when they reopen after the country’s Covid-19 lockdown.

Minister of Culture Olga Lyubimova promised that cinemas would only show “light and simple films,” and warned that audiences were “not ready for heavy dramas.” She also claimed that producers were already postponing unsuitably dreary films until the spring of 2021.

Lyubimova said the move would boost the crowds of teenagers hoped to be among the first to return to cinema screens, claiming that they would want an atmosphere for “simple communication and dating.”

But not all Russians are thrilled by the prospect of state-approved lightheartedness. One Twitter user suggested that only Russian comedies should be shown, “so that people do not come and get infected.”

Russia’s federal government has allowed cinemas to operate since 13 July, given that they comply with social distancing measures. However, most businesses are waiting for local authorities to lift their respective regional bans.