Film salon seeks to promote China-Estonia cooperation in film

By Li Huiru
0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, April 12, 2019
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The ambassador of Estonia, Marten Kokk, speaks at the "You and Me" Film Salon in Beijing on April 10, 2019. [Photo by Li Huiru / China.org.cn]

Just days ahead of the 9th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), the "You and Me" Film Salon was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in Beijing on April 10, 2019. The event aims to enhance understanding, strengthen trust and promote cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and Estonia in film production.

More than 20 Chinese cultural enterprises, including China Film Co. Ltd, Perfect World Investment & Holding Group, and Huace Film and Television participated in the event.

The ambassador of Estonia, Marten Kokk, said China and Estonia have good relations and the two countries have stayed in close communication during high-level exchanges and visits.

"In general, bilateral relations between Estonia and China are very good. Our leaders meet quite often and Estonia has endorsed the Belt and Road Initiative," Kokk said.

In addition to the very close cooperation with China in terms of trade, the ambassador said that the two countries have also enjoyed very good cultural relations. He listed exchanges between the musical organizations of both nations and said that he hoped the two countries can "develop even more substantial cooperation in the area of film-making." 

Estonia's Ministry of Culture and China's State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (Now the National Radio and Television Administration) signed an agreement on cinematographic cooperation in 2016 that simplifies the co-production of films and cooperation between film professionals of the two countries. The ambassador urged both nations to put the agreement to practice and said he hoped co-productions will take place in China and also by Chinese film makers in Estonia.

Ante Elken, cultural counselor for the Embassy of Estonia, introduced Estonia's geography, natural resources and economic and cultural conditions to guests in fluent Mandarin. She also elaborated on the current state of the country's film industry and showed guests some films that were shot in Estonia in recent years.

Elken also gave a detailed overview of the preferential policies passed by the Estonian government in the field of film co-production. She said that based on its policies, up to 30% of the filming costs incurred in Estonia are refundable. Elken also suggested that the easiest way for Chinese film-makers who are interested in making films in Estonia is to cooperate with a local film company, which can handle any complicated paperwork and formalities.

Peter Sallade, chief consultant for the European Union Film Festival, said that he was impressed by Chinese audiences' passion for European films. He added that their unique perspective has injected new vitality to European films.

The event, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia, was co-hosted by the European Union Film Festival, Jingzu Cultural Media (Beijing) Co., Ltd. and the Beijing Association of CBD Sophisticated Industry Promotion.

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