Estonian Film Industry Forges Closer Ties With China
Estonia has received an invitation to participate in international film festivals in Beijing and Shanghai. Chinese film industry is also interested in collaborating with Estonia in other projects.
Paavo Nõgene, Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture, met with Tong Gang, the deputy director of Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SAFRT), and Tong Zhu, deputy editor-in-chief of China Central Television (CCTV), in Beijing today and agreed upon audiovisual cooperation projects for 2015.
"The Chinese representatives made an offer to Estonia to participate in Beijing and Shanghai international film festivals. They also proposed that Estonia should have its own program there," Nõgene said.
"China is also willing to send over its film producers, so they could get to known Estonia as a possible new filming location. China produces over 6,000 movies a year, many of which are filmed in Europe. The cooperation will be coordinated by the Estonian Film Institute and the Beijing Film Academy," he added.
Edith Sepp from the Estonian Film Institute said: "Film programs at Chinese festivals are an excellent opportunity for the Estonian film industry. Film production requires one to find a niche. Estonian film industry can offer alternative locations and post-production to China but there is also a constant need for stories in new contexts. The first ever film jointly produced by Estonia and China, which will be made next summer, is a good example of that. The theme of the film is a cruise ship and the adventures of young Chinese in Tallinn's Old Town," she said.
CCTV is also interested in familiarizing itself with Estonian films and are considering broadcasting Arvo Pärt and Robert Wilson's "Adam's Lament" on two separate TV channels. CCTV channels are followed by more than 1.2 billion people worldwide.
Estonian delegation will stay in China until Wednesday and also attend the Baltic Music Festival.