Burlyaev speaks out against sexualization in cinema

State Duma deputy Nikolai Burlyaev sharply criticized the excessive sexualization of modern cinema. He announced the preparation of a bill that would introduce public control in the cultural sphere.

The statement was prompted by incidents in movie theaters in the Caucasus, where erotic scenes began to be cut during screenings of the American film «The Housemaid» (18+). Viewer reactions to this practice have been mixed.

Burlyaev, who is also an actor, director, and president of the «Golden Knight» International Film Forum, supported this approach to editing.

«I am categorically against the sexualization of cinema, which has become universal,» the deputy stated.

In his opinion, the only reason directors include explicit scenes in their works is the desire to increase box office revenue.

«It»s calculated that if you introduce this, people will come who want to peep through the keyhole,« explained Nikolai Burlyaev.

He considers such practice fundamentally wrong. In his teaching work at VGIK (All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography), Burlyaev urges students to create cinema accessible to all ages.

«You must make movies for everyone. A child will come to your film — let them understand a little at first, but they will perceive some of the ideas embedded there. Then after five or ten viewings, they will draw serious conclusions about the films that shaped their worldview and attitude to life and everything around,» he noted.

The deputy recalled that the motto of his film forum is «For moral ideals, for the elevation of the human soul.» This, he said, should be the foundation of true art.

Burlyaev quoted the early Christian writer Tertullian and the Gospel, emphasizing the responsibility of creators to the viewer.

«Personally, I am guided by these categories. In none of my films that I directed as a director have I allowed this,» he said.

The bill on public control in the cultural sphere prepared by him, as Burlyaev clarified, will not be censorship. Evaluation of works will be given by cultural figures, scientists, teachers, law enforcement officers, clergy, and other experts who will be able to formulate recommendations on the impact of films on the audience.

Earlier, in January 2025, Nikolai Burlyaev appealed to the head of the Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, with a request to resume the investigation into the murder of one of the Russian classics. The deputy expressed doubts about the duel version, suggesting the crime was planned. The Investigative Committee then reported that the investigation had not yet begun.