Kinopark Demanded "Entry Fees" for Film Distribution in Kazakhstan

The department of the Agency for the Protection and Development of Competition in Almaty revealed signs of abuse of a dominant position in the actions of the Kinopark – Kinoplexx Theatres cinema chain, Orda.kz reports.

According to the department, domestic film producers were required to pay an advertising budget. Without these payments, films were not allowed to be released, which, according to the agency, limited competition, created barriers to market entry and restrained the development of Kazakh cinema.

After receiving the notification, the chain eliminated the violations, according to the department's statement. The owners allegedly abandoned the so‑called "entry fees" for the release of films for distribution.

In addition, as part of implementing the notification, public regulations are currently being developed. These are intended to establish a uniform, transparent and non‑discriminatory procedure for including films in the release schedule, adjusting screening schedules, determining the length of a film's run and the conditions for its removal.

Original author: Elvira Ivannikova

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