Press releases

24 Sep 2019

Filmmakers from six countries sign cooperation agreement in Minsk

Belarusfilm. Photo from the archive

MINSK, 24 September (BelTA) – Filmmakers from six countries signed a long-term cooperation agreement at a meeting in the National Film Studio Belarusfilm in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

Film studios Tajikfilm, Kazakhfilm, Georgia-film, Kyrgyzfilm, Uzbekfilm and Belarusfilm signed a cooperation agreement during a meeting of the board of directors of the CIS film studios and the Georgian film studio. The agreement provides for co-production of film projects. According to Belarusfilm Director Vladimir Karachevsky, such a meeting in Belarus gives a start to the revival of the good relations between the film studios that existed in the Soviet Union.

“When meeting at film festivals we often talk about the ruined space of the film industry. Filmmakers and producers do not understand any more what is going on in other film studios, what kind of financing system they have, what they are working on,” he noted. That was the reason behind the decision to establish a board of directors of the film studios of Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Georgia. The directors of Sakhafilm and Azerbaijanfilm film studios promised to join us in order to solve problems together, exchange experience and make movies. At the working meeting we will discuss the legislation governing the film industry and consider joint projects,” Director of Belarusfilm Vladimir Karachevsky said.

Every country has its specific features in the film industry. It is important not to forget the common background that unites our countries, Belarusian First Deputy Culture Minister Natalya Karchevskaya said. “We share film making traditions. Perhaps, we have chosen different paths to develop but your experience is very interesting for us. And we think that Belarus’ experience will be interesting for you,” Natalya Karchevskaya noted. “We hope that the meeting today and further cooperation will form a basis for future joint projects and new ideas. The decisions made at the meeting will hopefully be useful for film industry development of all our countries,” she added.

“The board of directors of film studios of the CIS and Georgia is a unique opportunity not only to discuss film production but also understand how state film studios should operate. We also consider assisting each other in movie production and distribution. Entering any market and festival is easier together. Besides, we have a lot to share and to discuss. Taking into consideration the global experience we would like to work out a strategy that will be viable in our country and will be effective while cooperating with other countries,” Vladimir Karachevsky added.

Every film studio brought their movies to Minsk that will be screened during the Friendship Movie Week on 1 October.