Estonian Film Festival Kicks Off

 

The Estonian Film Festival began in the Shanghai Film Art Center on October 17, 2010. The delegation headed by Ms Laine Jänes, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Estonia attended the opening with her Chinese counterpart Mr. Zhang Hongseng, deputy director of SARFT, and Mr. Liujian, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film & TV.

 

The First edition of the Estonian Film Festival is a cooperative effort between China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and TV and the Ministry of Culture of Estonia, and is co-organized by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture, Radio, Film & TV and Shanghai Media and Entertainment Co., Ltd. The event will last for a week from October 17-23.

 

In his opening address, Mr. Zhang Hongseng, deputy director of SARFT said, “Recently, high-level governmental and cultural exchange between the two countries has been increasing. The Chinese Film Week was successfully held in Estonia in March of this year, and we believe the Estonian Film Festival will enhance our understanding of Estonia. The visit of the Estonian film delegation will upgrade the communication between the two film industries and the friendship of the two countries.”

 

Ms Laine Jänes, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Estonia, said: “Estonian film will welcome its centenary in 2012. Chinese film has already made great achievements in the world with awards such as the Golden Palm in Cannes and the Academy Awards. Both countries enjoy a very good collaborative relationship. For example, Jadesoturi, co-produced by China, Estonia, Finland, and the Netherlands, was released in 2006. Now, Estonian audiences can see at least two Chinese movies every year. In the Tallinn Film Festival, 3-5 Chinese films will be screened. I believe our collaboration will be steps forward in letting Chinese audiences see more Estonian films.”

 

Buratino, Son of Pinocchio, opens the film festival. Directed by Rasmus Merivoo, It is adapted from the well-known Soviet-era children’s film Buratino. Based on Alexey Tolstoy\'s renowned children\'s book, The Golden Key, it tells of a romance between a wooden boy and a plastic girl. This is Rasmus’s first film. He attended the opening and talked with the audience.

 

The Estonian Film Festival will be held in the Shanghai Film Art Center, Cathay Theatre, Yonghua Cinema City, and Studio City. Bank Robbery, December Heat, The Snow Queen, and The Last Relic are included in the festival in addition to Buratino, Son of Pinocchio.