Ukraine

[UA] New Act “on Cinematography” Enters into Force

IRIS 1998-4:1/12

Andrei Richter

Comenius University (Bratislava)

On 13 February 1998, a new Act "on Cinematography" entered into force in Ukraine. The Act which consists of seven Chapters, regulates the production, distribution, storage, and exhibition of films. The Act introduces obligatory governmental licensing of activity on distribution and exhibition of movies. All movies that are to be distributed and exhibited in Ukraine will be required to obtain a licence and to register in a State registry (Art. 15). The Government will provide subsidies to Ukrainian producers through a special fund. A system of privileged taxation and custom tariffs and reduced communications rates shall support national film production, as well as co-productions with foreign companies (Chapter 4). All foreign films (including Russian ones) will need to be dubbed, or subtitled in the Ukrainian language before they are distributed (Art. 14). The law requires that a minimum of 30 percent of exhibition time in the theatres and of airtime devoted to films on TV, is reserved for Ukrainian films (Art. 22). The law explicitly upholds all copyright obligations accepted by Ukraine under international treaties, which appear in the national law on copyright and neighbouring rights.