Russian businessman successfully enters the Dutch film distribution market, but hides it through Cyprus

18K Film, a new Dutch film distributor, has rapidly gained attention in the industry, raising questions about its funding sources. The company, led by Erik Engelen, has made significant acquisitions at film festivals, including Cannes. However, its ties to Russian financier Sergei Yershov and the Cypriot company Ayda Distributions have raised eyebrows. Engelen insists that while Yershov is Russian, he operates from the U.S. and is not on any sanctions list. The film industry in the Netherlands is competitive, with many distributors facing financial risks. Despite the controversy, 18K Film continues to thrive, navigating the complexities of its funding and market presence.