Estonian minister to visit Cannes film market to attract foreign filmmakers

TALLINN - Estonian Minister of Culture Tonis Lukas is to embark on a visit to Cannes on Friday to meet with representatives of film industries all over the world, including  Jerome Paillard, executive director of Marche du Film, the business counterpart of the Cannes Film Festival.

The minister is to introduce funding opportunities in the Estonian film market, particularly the Film Estonia production incentive, to foreign producers at the Estonian pavilion on Friday evening. 

Film Estonia, which was founded in 2016 and has grown in to a foundation of two million euros, aims to foster attracting foreign capital and facilitate cooperation between Estonian and foreign filmmakers in the production of audiovisual works in Estonia. Analyses of the production incentive so far have shown that each euro invested is earned back sixfold in foreign investments.

"Estonia has a number of diverse filming locations -- one can find themselves in a medieval city, unspoiled nature, derelict industrial plants as well as modern working environment. Our filmmakers are renowned professionals and business with us is conducted swiftly and effectively," the Estonian minister of culture said. "We have been acting consistently at state level to be a good partner and an attractive destination for foreign filmmakers," he said.

Tens of Estonian film professionals will be representing their country in Cannes under the guidance of the Estonian Film Institute to ensure the Estonian film and industry stand out against the rest of the world. The aim is to establish new contacts, seek opportunities for distributing Estonian films internationally and to select works for the Estonian audience. Participants in the event also include the Tartu and Viru film funds, which seek to attract co-financing for productions filmed in their regions.

The 72nd Cannes Film Festival and film market will run until May 25.