INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Russian video streaming platforms remain in talks with major Hollywood studios about restoring their movie libraries for the first time
because Russia invaded Ukraine, the RBC news outlet reported Wednesday, citing market sources.The situation has altered rather in recent
days, stated Artyom Sargsyan, head of PR at Russias leading video-on-demand service Okko.Weve resumed interaction with some of the [studios]
that had actually not previously contacted us, which suggests a modification in their categorical position.He appeared to reference U.S
President Donald Trumps pursuit of direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin framed as a possible primary step
towards bring back bilateral ties.But it is prematurely to discuss the return of [film] brochures, premieres and specifically the timing of
this return given that everything depends on the political scenario, Sargsyan informed RBC.He did not name the studios, but Disney, Sony,
and Paramount all withdrew from the Russian market in 2022 in reaction to Moscows major invasion of Ukraine.The Moscow Times called those
business for comment.The loss of Hollywood material triggered Russian platforms like Okko and Kinopoisk to see their libraries shrink by
between 5% and 42% by the end of 2022
The reported conversations come amid more comprehensive efforts by Russian organizations to encourage the return of Western firms
Earlier this week, state media reported that a company representing hundreds of shopping center had prompted worldwide style sellers Uniqlo,
H&M and Inditex to reopen their stores in the country.Payment concerns remain the greatest challenge to resuming partnerships with
Hollywood, RBC pointed out an anonymous source near to an unknown streaming service as saying
Another source indicated Russias tightening censorship laws, including a restriction on public displays of LGBTQ+ symbols or lifestyles, as
a prospective roadblock.Despite the Hollywood exits, Western films continue to appear in Russian movie theaters, though they deal with
delays compared to their worldwide theatrical releases.
