Transformations of Film Consumption in the Context of Systemic Changes of Film Distribution

Film distribution statistics in Russia in recent years indicate that Russians have become less likely to go to cinemas. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the first change in the demand for such leisure, as due to the quarantine and restrictions on public events, people had no regular opportunity to visit cinemas. Later, the Special Military Operation, or and more precisely the sanctions and restrictions associated with it, led to large-scale changes in the structure of distribution itself: the deprivation of cinemas’ rights to release foreign premieres, the active replacement of distribution with Russian films or re-distribution of films that had already been released. An additional change can also be seen in the development of streaming services, which have become a popular alternative to former film practices. However, it is important to note that the face-to-face practice of film consumption is a social type of leisure, which includes not only the desire of viewers to watch a film, but also the need for collective leisure, as one of the types of socialization. Therefore, the research question aims to examine how the transformations in film distribution that have occurred over the past couple of years have changed the attitude and perception of cinemas and film distribution in the eyes of potential visitors, and how these changes have influenced leisure practices. To answer this question, a qualitative research design was chosen, in which the empirical object was Moscow residents aged 18 to 45 years, who before 2020 regularly visited cinemas (1-2 times a month or more often). Fifteen semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted. As a result, it was revealed that the pandemic opened up online viewing opportunities and created new practices, but did not completely replace cinemas, as it only actualized the need for social and collective leisure. While the sanctions caused changes in the structure of film distribution, which was affected the preference for other viewing options, due to a lack of knowledge of the current repertoire and additional time spent searching on searching for opportunities to watch foreign films, which are not available in all cinemas. Thus, online viewing under the current changes is becoming a more flexible option for watching movies, providing greater access to various content. Going to the cinema is a more immersive and culturally significant experience, in which not only the opportunity to watch the film itself plays an important role, but also the accompanying experience of visiting a cultural institution.