Russian Agency Closes

The closure of the Federal Agency for Cinematography and Culture was designed to consolidate responsibility for cultural policy and implementation within one government department, although the move had not been finalised when the announcement was made, meaning uncertainty over public funding for Russian filmmakers.   The decision also delayed a long-planned Russian-German co-production agreement that was nearing completion after months of negotiation.

Simone Baumann, a producer based in Leipzig who worked closely with Russian partners said, ‘The Russians cannot afford to let this drag on too long as projects will get held up if there is no formal mechanism for putting in tenders for government financing,’

At the Cannes Film Festival, Russian producers and distributors were more relaxed about the situation. Raisa Fomina, the head of Moscow’s Intercinema Agency, said, ‘We have lived through so many changes in our country that we are used to it.  I am sure that there will be no fundamental change really and that the same people will be back and that Russian film production will continue to be supported.’ [ADD]

2008

Russia: 2008