(20 February 2026 | Source: reply from Aida Balayeva to a request from Majilis Parliament deputies)
The Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan (MCI RK) has presented proposals for the development of the film distribution sector and support for national cinema. The main measures are aimed at addressing infrastructure problems and expanding access to domestic films in the regions.
This information is contained in the official response from the head of the department, Aida Balayeva, to a parliamentary request.
CURRENT CHALLENGES AND LEGAL REGULATION
Currently, one of the key constraints in regulating the industry is the existing legislation. In particular, according to the Entrepreneurial Code of the RK, state bodies are not entitled to interfere in the activities of private cinemas.
The ministry notes a deficit of infrastructure: around 100 cinemas (404 screens) are operating in the country, whereas the need is estimated at approximately 2,000 screens to ensure cinema accessibility at the level of developed countries. Moreover, over the last five years, the number of cinema screens has not increased significantly.
TRENDS IN DOMESTIC FILM PRODUCTION
Despite infrastructure constraints, there has been growth in domestic film production.
For instance, in 2025, 103 Kazakhstani films were released, compared to 31 films in 2021. The share of national cinema reached 25% of the total box office.
At the same time, the department notes that the main growth is driven by entertainment content, whereas socially significant projects face difficulties when being widely released.
LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES
The ministry is considering the possibility of amending the Law "On Cinematography", including in the part regulating the screening of national films.
Similar initiatives were previously discussed in 2019 and 2022, but did not receive support following an analysis of the regulatory impact, as they affected the interests of private business.
DEVELOPMENT OF CINEMA INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE REGIONS
As one of the directions for industry development, expansion of cinema screening infrastructure is proposed, including:
- development of cinemas and multi-functional halls using public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms;
- equipping community centres with projection equipment;
- use of mobile cinema units to reach rural and remote settlements.
The proposed measures are aimed at increasing the accessibility of cinema and supporting national content.
CONTEXT
Earlier, the FBKK published the position of the Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition (APDC RK) regarding the situation on the film distribution market. In particular, it was reported that signs of possible abuse of a dominant position had been identified in Almaty on the part of the "Kinopark" chain.
At the same time, regarding a specific project ("The Tale of the Pink Rabbit 2"), violations were not found. The APDC is not yet making final conclusions, as the analysis of the competitive environment is ongoing.