Scandalous provision removed from Zelensky’s bill on English language
Ukrainian dubbing in cinemas will not disappear
At the end of last month, Volodymyr Zelenskyy submitted to the Verkhovna Rada draft law No. 9432 on the special status of the English language in Ukraine. Among other things, it provides for the gradual abandonment of dubbing of English-language films by 2027. Such films must be shown in the original voice acting and be accompanied by subtitles in Ukrainian.
A little later, the Ministry of Culture confirmed that in 2025 the share of screenings in cinemas in the original language should be 50%, in 2026 – 75%, and in 2027 – 100%. This provision has caused dissatisfaction among a significant number of Ukrainians who want to watch films in Ukraine with Ukrainian dubbing. In addition, it was noted that Ukrainian dubbing is of a very high quality, and the introduction of these limits will have a negative impact on this industry. Although there were those who supported Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s initiative.
However, the criticism had an effect. The Humanitarian Committee of the Parliament supported the draft law No. 9432, but with the removal of all provisions on cinema and television. This was reported by MP Volodymyr Viatrovych on his Facebook page.
He noted that the presidential draft law removes all provisions that narrowed the scope of the Ukrainian language on television and in film distribution, namely:
- the requirement to show English-language films in cinemas in their original language;
- amendments to the law on cinematography;
- amendments to the law on the state language in terms of cinema;
- amendments to the law on media to reduce the quota of Ukrainian-language programs.
“I thank my colleagues for a wise state decision that will allow us to consider the draft law without explosive anti-Ukrainian provisions,” the MP said.
