BEIJING. Moscow’s filmmaking experience with China will serve as the foundation for future combined efforts to produce additional films and organize screenings, according to Yulia Bragina, Deputy Director General of the Moskino Company.
“We will increase cultural cooperation not only in movie production, but also in movie screenings,” she stated at a Russian Cultural Center (RCC) event, remarking on cooperation between Moscow and Chinese film partners.”The years 2024-2025 have been designated as Russia-China cultural exchange years.” In this sense, it is unquestionably required to arrange more cultural events, both in the Russian Federation and in China, with the screening of Chinese films.”
Bragina noted that collaboration in the field of cinematography between Russia and China has lately improved. “After the pandemic, we have been actively resuming communication and strengthening relationships in terms of cultural cooperation,” she explained.
“Our goal is to inform our Chinese colleagues about Moscow’s suitability for filming.” We have unique mechanisms, such as a film commission formed by the Moscow administration,” the Deputy Director General noted. She added that one of her responsibilities is to facilitate work for foreign film organizations shooting in Russia’s capital. Bragina stressed the significance of this structure’s mission in the filmmaking process, as she is the person who coordinates and secures permission “to conduct filming in any location in the city.”
Bragina also mentioned that China and Russia already collaborate on projects, such as Chinese films shot in Moscow. “For example, Lost in Russia (2020) and The Adventures of Zheng Qian (2023) were both produced with the assistance of the Moscow Film Commission,” she explained.
According to the Deputy Chief of Moskino, Russian-Chinese collaboration in cinematography is now proceeding smoothly. “There is a great desire among our Chinese friends for joint projects,” she continued.
The reason for your trip to China
According to Bragina, the objective of her current trip to China is “to show Chinese film companies and the Chinese tourism sector the potential Moscow has as a place for filming, as a center of creative industries in Russia.” “Today’s event (a presentation of Moscow’s film industry’s potential at the RCC – TASS/ note) exemplifies this very clearly.” All Chinese film makers are invited to develop their projects in Moscow. “In this way, we promote our city as a wonderful tourist capital, the world’s film capital,” she stated. Bragina stated that the Chinese side has always been interested in collaborating with Russia in the sphere of cinematography, and that Moscow is already making all the necessary measures for a fruitful partnership.
In 2018, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin initiated and established the Moscow Film Commission, which functions as a one-stop shop. It substantially facilitates the work of both domestic and foreign filmmakers who visit Moscow to film films.
