The 18th session of the Subcommittee on Film Cooperation of the China-Russia Committee on Humanities Cooperation was held at the Gerasimov Institute of Cinematography on Wednesday, marking another milestone in cinematic collaboration between the two nations.
The meeting was jointly presided over by Mao Yu, Executive Deputy Director of the China Film Administration, and Andrey Malyshev, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation.
The session comprehensively reviewed the substantial achievements made in China-Russia film cooperation since last year, with both parties speaking highly of the close coordination between film regulatory bodies and the pragmatic collaboration between production and distribution organizations.
During in-depth discussions, the two sides reached broad consensus on multiple areas of cooperation. These include hosting reciprocal film festivals, increasing the import of each other's films, promoting co-productions, enhancing animation collaborations, strengthening the cultivation of young film talents, and facilitating exchanges of film equipment and technology.
Mao stressed that the meeting's timing was particularly significant as it coincided with Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Russia and his attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War.
Over the past year, through joint efforts, China-Russia film exchanges and cooperation have achieved new progress and reached new heights, which has greatly enriched the content of cultural exchanges and made positive contributions to the development of comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between the two sides, Mao said.
Malyshev noted that under the strategic guidance of both state leaders, Russian-Chinese film cooperation has achieved remarkable results. Especially since the beginning of this year, the heads of the two countries’ film authorities have held multiple face-to-face exchanges, laying a solid foundation for deeper and broader cooperation, he said.
Malyshev expressed hope for more film releases in each other's markets and looked forward to the Russian Film Festival scheduled for September in three Chinese cities.
The meeting also served as the launch platform for the 2025 Chinese Film Festival in Moscow. Officials announced that the Chinese-Russian co-production "Red Silk" will have its Chinese premiere in September during commemorations for the 80th anniversary of victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.
Participants reviewed and approved the subcommittee's work plan for 2025-2026. It was agreed that the 19th meeting will be held in China in 2026.
China, Russia agree to advance film cooperation at Moscow subcommittee meeting
