Mikhalkov's vertical of power-style leadership of the Cinematographers' Union has been criticized by many prominent Russian filmmakers and critics as autocratic, and encouraged many members to leave and form a rival union in April 2010.
O liderado de Mikhalkov en estilo vertical na Unión de Cinematógrafos foi definido por moitos cineastas e críticos rusos como autocrático, e provocaron que moitos membros abandonasen a Unión e formasen unha asociación rival en abril de 2010.