The Shaping of National Image in Belarusian Films

Abstract

Film creation is a cultural product that plays an important role in the formation of national cultural soft power. During the Soviet period, the central government maintained control over film production, and film creation in Belarus followed in the footsteps of the Soviet Union. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Belarusian films have lost the guidance of the highest Soviet ideology and the support of a strong political economy. And Belarusian film creation has been in a period of depression and confusion. This period persisted until the emergence of a group of new film directors in recent years, upon which Belarusian films have regained international attention.  At this stage, how to transform and develop Belarusian cinema is the key issue to be explored. It is recommended that film production and quality to be increased and developed into mature film production for seizing international film market share. Comprehensive and in-depth survey of foreign markets need to be made to discover viewing habits of different audience groups. For further development Belarusian films need to be actively and comprehensively disseminated and to grasp the international dynamics in dissemination strategies, follow the laws of artistic dissemination and carefully consider film education.

Keywords:  Belarusian film; film history; national image; national film; film history; Soviet Union