Berlin

Within the discussion, issues of the importance and urgency of Ukrainian cinematography in the European context, in particular, and culture during the war in general, were discussed.

The discussion was attended by:

• Rima Abdul Malak, Minister of Culture of the French Republic
• Claudia Roth, Minister of State for Culture and the Media of the Federal Republic of Germany
• Sam Tanson, Minister of Culture and Justice of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

"We must support Ukrainian filmmakers in creating new films. After all, the world needs new narratives, stories, new art. And our task is to give Ukrainian filmmakers hope for a better future," noted Rima Abdul Malak.

Claudia Roth said during her speech that Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine is not only a war that kills people: "This is also a war against culture, a systematic war. Destroyed cinemas, theaters, libraries are attempts to destroy Ukrainian cultural identity."

"Support for Ukrainian culture and the film industry is support for our values, for what we are fighting for. And the duty of the European culture ministers is to do everything possible to create a strong film sector. It is important that the voice of Ukraine continues to be heard in the world and not be lost," added Sam Tanson, Minister of Culture and Justice of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The European Film Market will run until February 22 as part of the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival. The Ukrainian National Stand also operates at the EFM. It is organized jointly by the Ukrainian State Film Agency, the Film Industry Association of Ukraine, Film Industry Association of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Motion Picture Association and with the financial support of German Films with the assistance of the European Film Market. The catalog of Ukrainian production companies (Production Guide of Ukraine) and opportunities for cooperation with Ukraine in the field of cinema is showcased within the Ukrainian stand. EFM's measures to support the presence of the Ukrainian film industry are co-funded by Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg.