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Moscow, one of the world’s most famous capital, announces the creation of the Moscow Film Commission. To be launched on May 20th 3PM on Roskino booth in Cannes, the new body will support productions considering to shoot in Russia capital, and aims at increase Moscow’s profile as a tourism destination. Industry professionals and press members are welcome.
Its name can be read in the news around everyday, as it is already one of the very most famous city in the world: Moscow, capital of the Russian Federation. First filming destination in its country, Moscow welcomes 50 to 60 features coming to shoots every year, both Russian and Foreign. In the recent years, their list included most of the biggest local hits, like The Irony of Fate 2, by Timur Bekmambetov, as well as Andreï Zviaguintsev’s Loveles, in Competition this year. And the strong presence of Russian cinema this year in Cannes, with 3 movies in Official Selection, relies on the dynamism of Moscow as a production center, as all the production houses of the Russian movies in the festival selections are based in the capital.
Reflecting its geopolitical dimension, Moscow has also been featured in many international thrillers such as the Bourne Supremacy and Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol.
But despite being the most populated city in Europe, Moscow, unlike Paris, London or New York, did not have a film commission, until this month. "I am convinced that today's Moscow very much deserves being featured in the movies. We are launching the Moscow Film Comission which will help organize shooting in Moscow, overcome administrative barriers, and provide consulting services for filmmakers, says Sergey Sobyanin, Mayor of Moscow. We will be happy to welcome international film crews on Moscow streets starting this year already".
The Moscow Film Commission also aims at boasting the city’s profile. "Over the past five years, Moscow has undergone a complete makeover, explains Alexander Kibovsky, Head of the Moscow Department of Culture: it has now plenty of well-groomed parks; new public spaces have been created; many squares, streets, and boulevards have been renovated; the historical center has been overhauled; and new, modern neighborhoods have sprung up across the city. The Russian capital now hosts major events in economics, athletics, and culture. In 2018, the city will welcome the World Cup. We have a vested interest in seeing the modern Moscow on film as often as possible; we want it to be captured by filmmakers both local and foreign.
The MFC is also getting the support of Russian cinema promotion body Roskino, which is providing the new agency with its marketing expertise. “Personally endorsed by Mayor of Moscow Sergey Sobyanin, our initiative was to create in Moscow a cool, comfortable atmosphere where international crews would be welcomed and accommodated professionally––and we hope to see this idea flourish, over the next two years, into a full-blown institution like the film commissions in Paris, London, and other major cities", notes Katya Mtsitouridze, Roskino’s CEO.
On May 20th 3PM, Russian Pavillion in Cannes (139, Village International Pantiero) will host the MFC presentation and press conférence, led by Vladimir Filippov, Deputy Director for the Moscow Department of Culture and Roskino CEO Katya Mtsitouridze.
Paris Mission Cinéma Head Michel Gomez and Film France’s CEO Valerie Lepine-Karnik will also attend, as well as Sigmund Elias Holm, Vice-Chairman of Association Film Commissioners International and Arie Bohrer, Founder of European Film Commission Network.
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