Russian Box Office Hits $1 Billion Mark Faster Than in 2011

The Russian box office hit the $1 billion mark two weeks earlier this year than in 2011, and the entire year’s figure is likely to exceed that of last year by up to 13 percent.

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On Oct. 21, the total box office gross of all movies released in the country theatrically reached $1.014 billion, according to industry journal Byulleten Kinoprokatchika (Exhibitor’s Bulletin). In 2011, the $1 billion figure was reached Nov. 5.

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One of the main reasons for the improved performance was the popularity of feature-length animated movies, Maria Mukhina, editor-in-chief of Exhibitor’s Bulletin, told The Hollywood Reporter. “Ice Age: Continental Drift and Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted grossed $50 million and $49 million, respectively," she said.

Another major factor that had a positive impact on the box office was a large number of 3D releases. “The first eight movies on the box office champions’ list are 3D movies,” Mukhina said. “The only 2D movie that hit the $20 million mark this year was Battleship, which grossed $22 million.”

The highest-grossing local movie to date has been Dukhless (Soulless) with $12.2 million, followed by Tot Yeshche Karlson (Yet Same Karlson) with $10.4 million and Avgust Vosmogo (August. The Eighth), which grossed $9.9 million.

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Meanwhile, the entire year’s box office gross is likely to be between $1.26 billion and $1.3 billion, according to predictions made by Exhibitor’s Bulletin’s experts. That would signify a 10 percent to 13 percent increase from last year’s figure of $1.15 billion.