Editor

This year, for the first time in its history, the Czech Republic, represented by Czech Film Center, will actively participate in the legendary Cannes International Film Festival.

Czech Film Center’s mission is twofold. While on the one hand it aims to re-establish the presentation of Czech cinematography to renowned foreign film professionals, on the other it seeks to communicate news about contemporary Czech cinematography and the country’s film industry infrastructure, and provide information on opportunities in the area of international co-productions.

“Major festivals and markets are invaluable for any country’s cinematography. But that is especially true for so-called ‘small countries’, which the Czech Republic, with its limited domestic market, definitely is. Through our activities at Cannes, we can help the Czech film industry grab the attention of foreign professionals such as sales agents, festival programmers, international journalists, etc.,” says Magdaléna Králová of Czech Film Center.

But that is not the only reason the Czech Republic’s active presence at IFF Cannes 2004 – Europe’s most important festival and film market – will be immensely valuable for Czech cinematography.

At the industry market at IFF Cannes, Czech Film Center will co-organize a pavilion representing three countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland. The pavilion will be incorporated in Village International, which has offered selected countries extensive space for presenting their national cinematography. The joint pavilion will be situated in a very prestigious location – directly next to the festival center.

While Hungary will have its own pavilion at the market in Cannes, the Czech Republic unfortunately can not afford to finance this costly event on its own. Presenting three states together was therefore selected as the best alternative. Czech Film Center is coordinating the pavilion’s operation on behalf of all three states, while the expenses involved will be split equally between the three countries. Funding from the Ministry of Culture and Czech Film Chamber will cover the Czech share of the cost.

This event also marks the first major presentation of Czech cinematography abroad following the Czech Republic’s accession to the European Union.