(19 February 2026 | Source: response by Marat Omarov to a request from deputies of the Mazhilis of the Parliament)
The Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition of the Republic of Kazakhstan (APDC) reviewed the request from deputies of the Mazhilis concerning the situation in the domestic film industry and the film distribution market. The authority presented the results of specific inspections and reported on the progress of the competitive environment analysis.
The deputies' request concerned, among other things, the working conditions in the film distribution market and the role of large cinema chains.
INVESTIGATION INTO THE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE FILM "TALE OF THE PINK BUNNY 2"
The APDC examined an appeal from the Public Association "League of Cinematographers of Kazakhstan" regarding the partnership agreement between JSC "Kazakhfilm" and LLP "Moonlight Pictures". The check concerned whether the agreement complied with antimonopoly legislation.
Following the analysis, no signs of violations were found. It was established that the "Tale of the Pink Bunny 2" project is being implemented using its own funds of LLP "Moonlight Pictures" without attracting state support.
LIABILITY OF "KAZAKHFILM"
Despite the absence of violations under this particular agreement, JSC "Kazakhfilm" was held administratively liable on other grounds.
The company was fined twice for providing inaccurate information and failing to provide information to the Agency. The total amount of fines was 2,831,040 tenge.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE FILM DISTRIBUTION MARKET
The APDC Department for Almaty has been conducting an analysis of the film distribution market since August 2025 to determine the degree of influence of major players.
Signs of potential abuse of a dominant position have been identified in the actions of LLP "Kinopark Centre". This concerns the alleged restriction of access to film distribution services and the imposition of conditions regarding advertising budgets.
The analysis covers the period from 1 June 2024 to 31 July 2025.
According to preliminary data:
- the volume of the Almaty market was 16.8 billion tenge;
- the share of the "Kinopark" group of persons was 6.3 billion tenge (37.9%).
In total, the activities of 14 market participants are being considered in the study.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
The investigation is being conducted against the backdrop of appeals from representatives of the film industry and a deputies' request, which raised the issue of revenue distribution conditions and competition in the film distribution market.
At present, the APDC emphasises that the analysis has not yet been completed, and final conclusions regarding the situation on the market will be drawn upon its completion.
NEXT STEPS
The regional analysis is in its final stages. Based on its results, response measures may be taken against LLP "Kinopark Centre".
Furthermore, by the end of the second quarter of 2026, the Agency plans to conduct a full analysis of the state of competition in the national film distribution market. Additional problematic aspects of the industry will be examined as part of this work.
It is noted that the situation remains under the authority's supervision.