Russia to support joint film production with Asia, CIS - culture minister

MOSCOW. March 14 (Interfax) - Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) members and Asian states are interested in developing cinematography together with Russia and conducting joint film production, which will be fully supported by the government, Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova said.

"We have joint production, and have formalized the possibility of joint production with many countries. Now, of course, we cooperate with the CIS members in the first turn, alongside Asian countries. Thailand, China and India are enthusiastic. In general, SCO and BRICS members are very active," Lyubimova said in an interview with the Rossiya-24 television channel (VGTRK).

Representatives of these countries actively participate in film festivals and present their projects, in particular, at the Moscow International Film Festival, she said.

"This kind of communication and the possibility of joint production are extremely valuable, and we will fully support it. This is also a task of the state to give an additional incentive, additional opportunities to any joint project, to support it on both sides, to make a joint product, and to enjoy its results together," Lyubimova said.

Measures will be elaborated to support joint production projects with other countries, she said.

"Not only do they have to be legally organized by two states. Of course, this is our constant task and responsibility, we have always been doing so, for all these years. Clearly, the government will support such films both financially and with resources, offering an opportunity to film and use particular locations," Lyubimova said.