Kremlin’s Movie Industry Chief Fired
Filipp T. Yermash, longtime head of the state committee on cinematography and the target of some Soviet film makers who complained he was a barrier to creative expression, was sent into retirement Sunday.
The official Tass news agency said that Yermash, 63, was replaced as head of the state film industry by Alexander Kamshalov, 54, a former teacher and official of the Communist Youth League.
Tass said Yermash was replaced by decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, the national Parliament.
The report did not confer the customary note of thanks for Yermash’s 14 years as committee chairman, which would have been expected for an official leaving in good standing.
Yermash had been considered responsible for preventing distribution of films that were recently ordered released and drew large crowds at Soviet theaters.
Producers and others involved in film making in Moscow commented that the Soviet film industry has suffered in prestige, quality and popularity under Yermash’s direction.
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