The Agency for Protection and Development of Competition (APDC) has analyzed the film distribution market and proposed introducing unified requirements for cinema operations, reports infohub.kz.
Agency specialists examined the work of over 60 companies operating in the film distribution sector. From January 1, 2024, to January 1, 2026, the market volume amounted to 76.2 billion tenge. The analysis identified systemic barriers hindering competition. In particular, in several regions, film distribution services are provided by only one or two participants, indicating a limited level of competition.
One of the key issues remains the lack of unified rules for interaction between cinemas and distributors. The terms for granting film screening rights directly affect cinemas' ability to shape their repertoires and viewers' access to premieres. To establish transparent and non-discriminatory market conditions, the APDC has proposed developing rules for film distribution activities, approving a standard contract between distributors and cinemas, and improving market monitoring mechanisms.
The agency is confident that implementing these measures will ensure equal access to film content for market participants, enhance transparency in interactions between cinemas and distributors, and create conditions for further development of fair competition in the film distribution sector.