Ukrainian performer said that more than 100 Russian actors still act in films in Ukraine
In an interview with Radio Liberty, the People’s Artist of Ukraine, Ostap Stupka, discussed a law introducing obligatory quotas for Ukrainian language on television, which was recently adopted by the Verkhovna Rada. Stupka indicated that on average, 120 Russian actors act in films in Ukraine these days.
“If it concerns such a highly influential instrument as television, then this law should have been passed long time ago since it entails among other things the reduction, I would say, of the number of Russian actors who are currently in Kyiv, in Ukraine, acting in Ukrainian films. There are 100-120 people at a time!” the actor said.
As a result, Stupka suggested following Russia’s example by introducing work permits for foreign actors in Ukraine, as well as limiting their numbers in Ukrainian TV series.
“Of course, it is possible to follow the example of the Russian Federation, because they make excellent use of the work permit. A foreigner needs a work permit to act in films there, and that costs money. Why do not we introduce a work permit limit – for example, one person or two, but they would pay solid money which in turn would contribute to the development of Ukrainian filmmaking, instead of continuing to film 10-15 Russian actors in Ukrainian TV series,” the People's Artist of Ukraine said.
On May 23rd, Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill requiring television programming in the country to contain at least 75% Ukrainian-language content.