Representation of traditional values in Russian popular culture: a case study of Russian cinema (2020–2024)

Abstract

The article examines the issue of the representation of values in contemporary Russian mass cinema. The study analyzes 10 films released in 2020–2024 with an emphasis on the value narratives that they convey to the audience and their correlation with the state policy related to the preservation and consolidation of traditional Russian values. The results of the study show that mass culture, through films, sensitively responds to the socio-political discourse dominating in society, and also recognizes the viewer’s request for a particular format. Most of the films presented in the study are either adaptations or interpretations of already created works (7 out of 10 films). Also, all films except one (“The Little Humpbacked Horse / Konek- Gorbunok”) were released in the last two years. As the study shows, most of the films studied present values that are, among other things, enshrined in the Presidential Decree of November 9, 2022, No. 809 “On Approval of the Fundamentals of State Policy for the Preservation and Strengthening of Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values”: patriotism, humanism, self-sacrifice, collectivism and others. Particular emphasis is placed on family values, which are broadcast from different angles. It is also noted that mass cinema performs an important social function of entertainment and allows one to detach from everyday life, at least for a while.