NZ Strengthens Bond With Chinese Filmmakers

For Immediate Release
 

NZ Strengthens Relationship With Chinese Filmmakers

Auckland, New Zealand is set to host more Chinese film productions with Film Auckland and China Film Association signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

The China Film Association is a non-governmental professional body with a membership of 6,000. It plays a positive role in motivating filmmakers and advocating for the industry.

In a significant move Film Auckland is in China as part of a delegation to cement the relationship with the largest filmmakers organisation in China and yesterday (Sunday 6th June) signed the memorandum.

The week long delegation to China is part of a New Zealand Film Festival, that will be lead by the Mayor of Waitakere City, Mayor Bob Harvey, and Film Auckland Board member, Pete Rive. The delegation has been organised by Waitakere City Council, and Mr Jim He, of the Pacific Culture and Arts Exchange Centre, with support from Film Auckland.

The New Zealand Film Festival will travel to Beijing, Shanghai and Ningbo during June, and coincides with the Shanghai International Film Festival.

Film Auckland Executive Manager, Michael Brook, says the Memorandum of Understanding is a significant milestone and a positive step forward in Auckland’s working relationship with China.

“This is an extremely heartening move that will ensure greater communications, co-operation and co-productions between the Chinese and New Zealand film industries,” says Brook.

The Chinese film industry has experienced huge growth in recent years. Its box office increased by 43 percent in the last year and takings are projected to hit NZ$4 billion in 2012.

“China’s interest in film is growing at a rapid rate, which gives New Zealand access to a very large and lucrative potential market. Chinese producers are already actively looking at New Zealand for production partners,” says Brook. 

“The MOU and the festival, combined with visits to the Shanghai International Film Festival and World Expo will undoubtedly pave the way for future co-productions between our two countries,” says Brook.

Film Auckland board member, and former Chairman, Pete Rive, will sign the Memorandum of Understanding in Beijing. He said, “This MOU follows our important 2007 delegation and three years of hard work through Film Auckland’s membership of APN, (Asia Pacific Producer’s Network).”

The APN is an important group of 80 senior producers from around the Asia Pacific region who meet every year to progress co-operation and co-productions.

Film Auckland has been working behind the scenes to ensure that a co-production treaty with China will happen soon. This will support several projects that New Zealand producers are developing.

Mr Brook says the New Zealand Government has recognised that Kiwi films can give a large boost to tourism and trade beyond the significant film business they generate.

“The benefits are manifold – Chinese co-productions with New Zealand will undoubtedly help to increase further tourism, trade and co-operation with the Chinese people,” he says. 

ENDS

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