Russian President Signs Law on Full State Funding for Domestic Children's Animation

Putin Approves Full State Funding for Russian Children's Animation

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing full state budget financing for the production and distribution of domestic animated films for children and young audiences for the first time.

Previously, legislation had provided 100% government funding only for live-action children's films, excluding animation from this provision.

Under the new law, animated films for children and young audiences will now be eligible for full state support covering their entire budget—both for production and distribution.

The explanatory note accompanying the law states that the amendments aim to improve conditions for Russian animation studios amid restricted access to most foreign markets and festivals, as well as to mitigate the impact of sanctions imposed by unfriendly countries on transactions involving Russian content.

Additionally, the law grants the Ministry of Culture new authority: it will now annually approve funding volumes for national films across different categories and determine priority themes for financial support. The forms of this support—whether full or partial financing—will be aligned with the approved budgets and priorities.