The impact of corruption on the development of the film industry: the case of Kazakhstan
Pshenayeva E.B. Urazbayeva S.N. Karibayeva G.
2025Routledge
Studies in Russian and Soviet Cinema
2025#19Issue 3327 - 344 pp.
This study explores the pervasive impact of corruption on the film industry in Kazakhstan, emphasising its economic, creative and socio-cultural dimensions. Utilising qualitative research methods, including interviews with industry professionals, the study examines how corruption manifests itself through financial mismanagement, market distortions and the suppression of innovation. The research reveals systemic inefficiencies within the State Centre for Support of National Cinema (SCSNC), where lack of transparency and procedural breaches contribute to the misallocation of public funds. These challenges result in state-funded films consistently failing to recoup their production costs, deterring potential investors and stifling the diversity of cinematic output. Furthermore, the study highlights how corruption influences the thematic direction of films, aligning them with state ideologies rather than reflecting the true diversity of Kazakh society. By analysing local examples, this research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in Kazakhstan’s film industry. The findings offer critical insights into the broader socio-cultural implications of corruption.
corruption , film production , Kazakhstan’s film industry , state funding for cinema
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Department of Directing for Film and TV, Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Department of Directing of Screen Arts, Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts, Film and TV Faculty, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Independent Researcher, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Department of Directing for Film and TV
Department of Directing of Screen Arts
Independent Researcher
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