Russians spoke about their desire to see more inspiring films about the future.

On June 20, the National Media Group (NMG), together with the Platforma CSP, presented the results of the Sketches of the Future study, a project studying the perception of the future in Russian society, as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF-2025). The study shows how the future looks and what scenarios of scientific and technological progress and social practices can be used in the production of films and other creative products.

Thus, 63% of Russians are optimistic about the future of humanity, especially young people (67% aged 18-24 years). In particular, optimism is associated with faith in new technologies, which, according to the respondents, will change the nature of work, increase life expectancy, increase household comfort, and reduce the environmental burden.

Among the key technologies that can have the greatest impact on human development are medical technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and ecosystem restoration. 64% of respondents believe that in 100 years people will work with robots and AI as assistants, but they will not become dependent and will not lose their independence.

Young people are more likely than adults to be optimistic about the future and prospects of technological development: 79% of teenagers aged 12 to 16 believe that technological progress is good.

At the same time, technological progress, according to the majority of respondents, should develop while preserving traditional values and moral guidelines — in the optimal picture of the future, basic social institutions will not fundamentally change. The family format is at the top of the list of answers to the question of which elements of modern society it is important to keep unchanged in the future.

The key qualities that, according to the respondents, will strengthen in a person of the future: adaptability, intelligence, creative thinking.

At the same time, technologies such as virtual reality, which eliminates the problem of long distances, or AI and robots as emotional support tools, according to respondents, will enable the expansion of social ties, but may lead to a loss of emotional intimacy, warmth and interaction between people.

Disturbing motives among experts and society are related to the virtualization of the world, social loneliness, interference in human biology and the consequences of gene editing, the unpredictable consequences of technological growth that outstrips value development, new forms of social stratification based on access to technology, changes in the human biological base, and increasing environmental risks. Key fears: pandemics, environmental disasters, restriction of personal freedoms with increased digital control.

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Art plays a significant role in maintaining a positive attitude among Russians. It serves as a "social therapist", helping to saturate the images of the future with optimism and inspiration. Cinema is the main tool of art in this regard.: 27% of respondents choose it as a tool for shaping their vision of the future, while among the audience aged 18-24, this proportion is even higher — 37%.

When asked which topics of the future are most interesting from the point of view of cinema and the creative industries, a significant part of the respondents named space exploration, colonization of other planets and encounters with extraterrestrial civilizations. Scenarios related to human evolution and genetic changes, artificial intelligence and robots, as well as environmental disasters and their consequences are of great interest. Topics of virtual reality, moral dilemmas, and the search for meaning in the world of new technologies are also gaining high popularity. This shows that the audience is interested not only in entertainment, but also in an in-depth study of the complex issues facing the society of the future.

At the same time, 75% of respondents, when asked what images of the future they would like to see in cinema and literature, chose "inspiring and optimistic, a world in which humanity develops and overcomes difficulties." This reflects the demand for stories that can inspire faith in the possibilities of man and society.

Examples of such works can be found in Soviet fiction — 70% of respondents familiar with it believe that it provided a positive but realistic image of the future. It can serve as the basis for creating a new relevant tradition.

When asked what the role of humans in filmmaking will be in 100 years, 46% replied that most of the work will go to AI and robots, but the role of humans as ideological inspirers will remain. 36% believe that a person will retain leadership in creation by using technology as tools.

"NMG is creating a futurological laboratory as a platform for discussion of scientists, representatives of society and creators from all creative industries. The study "Sketches of the Future" is the first project of the laboratory, it lays the foundation for further work and explores which images and ideas about the future can be used in art and inspire Russians. After all, caring for the future is an important state and public task in which the creative industries can and should play a significant role," said Svetlana Balanova, CEO of the National Media Group.