How will it be returned: what do film industry experts say about the new film "Pinocchio"

The International Film Market and the Russian Film Business Forum 25/26 started in Moscow on December 9. Over the course of three days, presentations and screenings of films from leading distributors of the Russian Federation and the CIS will take place on its site. NMG Kinoprokat was one of the first to do this, taking viewers back to the time of the news of the Central Television Station of the USSR. Vadim Smirnov, the head of the company, and Daria Matyunina, the director of advertising and marketing, who tried on the images of Soviet announcers, announced "Christmas Trees 12", the punk fairy tale "The King and the Fool. Forever" and the eastern one — "Hottabych", the sports drama "The Karate Kid", the big Russian-Chinese project "Black Silk" and other upcoming novelties that promise to become high-profile events.

The key point in the program was the first screening of Igor Voloshin's Pinocchio, which will be released only on January 1, 2026. Industry professionals talked about the main New Year's premiere in the Izvestia article.

Rostislav Razmakhnin, Manager of Repertoire Planning at ULTRA cinema

— It's a great movie! I would even say dramatic, which I didn't expect at all. I really liked the work of Victoria Isakova — she is a wonderful Alice Fox. The cat in the role of Alexander Petrov is also wonderful. There is incredible chemistry between these actors! The absolute hero is Fyodor Bondarchuk. During the viewing, it felt like this was a real Karabas-Barabas. Musical compositions are lively and intense! Pinocchio's computer graphics were not distracting, as they often are, because it was really done with high quality.

Grigory Sukhov, director, producer

— When artists take aim at everyone's favorite classics, it causes skepticism. But today I'm impressed! This artistic interpretation struck with its instruments and unexpected twists. I mean, for example, how the characters unfolded. Director Igor Voloshin can say bravo standing up! And the fact that the audience applauded today, it seems to me, is a very objective assessment. I hope Pinocchio will be the leader of the New Year's race. I have three children, and I'm going to the cinema with them to see this movie. I want them to see this picture, where they talk in such simple language about what is good and what is bad. And for us, adults, this fairy tale will give us a feeling of nostalgia, an opportunity to remember our childhood and just get high.

Anton Zakharov, curator of the cinema "Cinema Park Mosfilm"

— "Pinocchio" pleasantly surprised me. It was musical! It was bright! It was with brilliant acting. For example, the duet of Victoria Isakova and Alexander Petrov. I can't help but mention the work of the decorators and artists. This is a very, very high level. And when recognizable melodies were playing, I even sang along a little, to be honest (laughs). The moment of nostalgia is quite acute! It was a pleasure!

Elena Kostyukovich, Director of Optima Cinema Company

— Today I plunged into childhood. It's very difficult to convey emotions, but the range of feelings you experience is huge. There's joy, and sadness, and sorrow— that's all. It is very important that the film has a lot of educational moments, which means that there will be something to talk about with the child after watching. Therefore, be sure to plan and go to the cinema at Pinocchio.

— Alexey Voronkov, Head of the Cinema Owners Association

— I have no political right to praise one company or another. I can say the following. This New Year, for the first time, we will be sitting in the front row, eating popcorn and watching three monsters fight each other. I've already watched Prostokvashino, and now I've seen Pinocchio. I haven't watched Cheburashka yet, and it's not scheduled to be shown these days. Very cool! Very good level! It's good to be surprised every year. I'm talking about two examples that I've seen so far. The New Year will be absolutely bombastic! Now we are all preparing for a very large influx.

Since 2019, this is probably the first year that cinemas have started recruiting staff to make at least 10-15% stock, because the flow will be large. Our suppliers fill us up with wagons of popcorn. These are not only family paintings that children and, possibly, teenagers will watch. First of all, these are brands that will be able to attract the older generation. And we hope that the ceiling will not be 30-35 years old, as it usually is, but we will be able to see a more adult audience at the sessions.