“Our pavilion is a kind of the embassy to the world cinematography,” noted Oleg Lukashevich, who was heading the Belarusian pavilion, speaking at the opening ceremony. “Belarus has, for the first time, the opportunity to promote itself as a film producing country, at the most prestigious film festival in the world.”
Also in attendance were the Director of the Cannes Film Market, Miriam Arab, and producers, distributors and reporters from Belgium, the USA, Germany, the Czech Republic, France, Poland, Ukraine, Georgia and Russia. There was a presentation of the Belarusian film catalogue, providing information about feature films, documentaries and cartoons produced in Belarus from 2010-2011. Meanwhile, discs of the latest Belarusian films were available, alongside information on the technical skills of Belarusfilm Studio.
The Director of the National Cinematography Department, Oleg Silvanovich, believes that it is necessary to start work immediately, to ensure that Belarus can present an interesting film programme next year.
An impressive delegation of Belarusian film makers took part at the Cannes Film Festival, with dozens of meetings organised. Belarus negotiated co-operation with the Barandoff Film Studio of the Czech Republic, while the European Association of Film Producers also showed interest.
The Cannes Film Festival is viewed as one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious events. First held in 1946, it is annually organised in May. The best films compete for the Palme d’Or and the Grand Prix. Awards for best male and female actors, directors and playwrights are also given while the jury has its own award. The ‘Golden Palm’ is presented to the best short length film while the ‘Golden Camera’ is awarded to the best new director. The festival is the largest global cultural film event, with cinematographic works shot in the past 12 months eligible for entry. Major stress is placed on films which have original scripts.
