Twenty Russian companies showcased 110 projects at Dubai International Content Market

The Russian film industry representatives showcased their latest works to international buyers at the Dubai International Content Market (DICM) 2024, the major industry event in the MENA region. Organized by ROSKINO with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Russian Content Worldwide stand managed to showcase all the Russia-based stakeholders. Twenty national film companies presented over 110 movies, series and animated films to drive sales to potential customers.

During the market, CTB Film Company has sold the huge animated hit "Moonzy: Homecoming" to the Middle East, North Africa and Mongolia, and held further talks to sell the animated film to Turkey. Vstrecha Studio received a proposal from a Malaysia-based film company to co-produce a psychological thriller film, and the negotiations regarding the movie "Fog" with five other countries. Russia Television and Radio signed an agreement with leading TV channels in Tanzania and Ethiopia, which will allow them to broadcast a heap of romance movies such as "The Color of Pomegranate".

In addition, Terra Anima held discussions concerning the possibility of co-producing animated films with Iran and the UAE; the romantic comedy "The Oligarch Driver" from Pimanov and Partners caught the eye of VOD platforms and TV channels from the UAE, India, Turkey and Spain. Planeta Inform Film Distribution discussed selling "Anna’s Feelings", "Centaur" and other films, to the countries of the MENA region, the Baltic States, and the SAARC region.

Furthermore, Turkey and the Middle Eastern countries have shown an increased interest in the movie "A Dog named Palma 2" from Mars Media Entertainment. A number of animated series like "Rockoons", "The Secrets of Honey Hills", and "Oomka& Me" from SMF Animation fascinated the major market players of the MENA region - Dubai TV, Oman TV, Abu Dhabi Media. Other important market results include interest in the animated series "Puppies & Kittens" from Digital Television Russia and the discussion of coproduction with India, Malaysia and Philippines with ROCK Films.

Russia-based film companies arranged more than 400 meetings with foreign content buyers. The international partners highlighted the diversity of Russian movie genres, not to mention high-tech cinematography, gripping plots, and general emphasis on family values and traditions which are so important to the Middle Eastern audience, as well as praised the easy availability of many animated projects both in series and feature film format.

Russian companies revealed a strong demand for super high budget action films and series with a plot that is clear for audiences of all ages, as well as thrillers, dramas, romance movies, animation for preschoolers, historical series and documentaries about Russian history, nature and travelling, dramas and thrillers, action series.