The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine plans in the draft state budget for 2018 a resource not less than UAH 500 million for the projects of development of national cinema production and expresses readiness to comprehensively promote the formation and adoption of legislative initiatives aimed to create a support system for the film industry. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman during a meeting with representatives of the Ukrainian film industry.

“In 2018, we budget the sum worth UAH 500 million. This is the resource to be directed for support. But if we do, we have to do well. Partial solutions won’t yield the result,” the Head of Government said, “We need not only funds. It is necessary here to launch a system – to shape a legislative framework for the comprehensive system (of development of film industry) and to resolve the problems that pose barriers to such development."

The Head of Government stressed that the basis for a compromise exists. “What do I seek to achieve? Greater transparency of the process (of resources use), it is crucial for me to ensure that the whole process is transparent, competitive and efficient. This would strengthen our position,” the Head of Government said. “I support the development of cinematography. And, I think, we will come to full understanding (in the process of adjusting the state budget 2018 for the second reading) and determine (necessary) support for us to make a major breakthrough. We have everything necessary for that. We can become a country that is influential and significant on the global cinema map."

In this regard the Prime Minister drew attention to the fact that certain acts designed to promote the development of the national film industry had already been worked out and awaits to be discussed in Parliament. That is why the Government will appeal to the Verkhovna Rada with a proposal to address the documents. "The only thing I am asking for is to clearly define the goals we want to achieve, to fix equal rules for all stakeholders (regarding access to government support) and to think about the development of a regional component (involving regions in cinema production)," added Volodymyr Groysman.

Background

In March, 2017, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine approved two bills - "On State Support for Cinematography in Ukraine" and "On the Ukrainian Cultural Fund". These laws determine the key principles of state policy in the field of cinematography, including state protection of both cinema sector and film production, attraction of investments, including foreign ones, recognition of the development of cinematography as one of the priorities of state policy in the field of culture, the effectiveness of cinematography support, including the production, distribution, promotion and demonstration of films; availability of state support and participation of cinematographers, non-governmental organizations and artistic unions in the formation and implementation of state policy in the field of cinematography, openness and transparency of state support procedures. The four draft laws, which are aimed to amend the Tax, Customs and Budget Codes in terms of the support of the cinema sector, are being under the consideration now.

Currently Ukraine has several international treaties and conventions in the field of development and co-production of cinema - in particular, with France and Israel. Consultations are under way on signing relevant agreements with Argentina and China, and the work on preparation of such an agreement with Canada is being held now. The integration of national cinema production into the European and world economic and cultural space is taking place.

The draft Law of Ukraine "On the State Budget of Ukraine for 2018" envisages the allocation of funds to the tune of UAH 500 million for the film production. At the expense of these funds it is planned to finance production of 80 movies.