AGENCY FOR PROTECTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF COMPETITION PROPOSES UNIFORM RULES FOR THE CINEMA DISTRIBUTION MARKET

The volume of the cinema distribution services market in Kazakhstan within the analyzed geographical boundaries amounted to KZT 76.2 billion for the period from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2026. The analysis conducted by the Agency for Protection and Development of Competition of the Republic of Kazakhstan covered the activities of more than 60 market participants and identified systemic barriers hindering the development of competition.

The results of the analysis showed that the market is characterized by a high level of concentration. The leading position in the market is held by the Kinopark-Kinoplexx Theatres chain, while the second-largest market participant is Chaplin Cinemas. At the same time, in a number of regions, cinema distribution services are provided by only one or two market participants, indicating a limited level of competition.

One of the key issues is the absence of uniform rules governing interaction between cinemas and film distributors. The terms for granting film screening rights directly affect the ability of cinemas to form their repertoires and viewers’ access to film premieres.

In order to establish transparent and non-discriminatory conditions for conducting business in the market, the Agency for Protection and Development of Competition of the Republic of Kazakhstan proposed developing rules for carrying out cinema distribution activities, approving a standard agreement between distributors and cinemas, and improving market monitoring mechanisms.

The implementation of the proposed measures will ensure equal access of market participants to film content, increase the transparency of interaction between cinemas and distributors, and create conditions for the further development of fair competition in the cinema distribution sector.

Conclusion: https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/zk/documents/details/1052402?lang=ru