The Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture and Chairman of the Council of the Estonian Film Institute Paavo Nõgene addressed the representatives of the world film industry at the opening of the Estonian exhibition at the 68th Cannes film festival. Nõgene introduced Estonian innovation benefitting the entire film industry of the world and encouraged producers to consider Estonia.
In his speech, Paavo Nõgene highlighted one focus of this year’s Black Nights Film Festival – the interface between the film technology and IT sector, in which Estonia feels right at home. “The Estonian enterprise Digitalsputnik has developed a new generation lighting technology currently used on the set of Independence Day 2. It is the first time in history that a digitally operated system of LED lights is the main source of light on the set of a major Hollywood film production. For this achievement, the tribute goes to the innovative thinking of Estonians because until now, LED system lighting equipment has not been of high enough quality to be used as the main source of lighting,” said Nõgene.
Nõgene encouraged the film producers in Cannes to consider Estonia for filming. “We have many smart film professionals who love what they do. Their high level of preparation allows them to participate in the creative or producing team of any production, however difficult or tricky. In addition, Estonia as an astoundingly beautiful nature,” said Nõgene.
Nõgene also referred to the year special for the Estonian film industry. “The Estonian-Georgian cooperation production “Tangerines” was nominated for an Oscar in the Foreign Language Film category. This was followed by Estonia’s most expensive screen production – the war drama titled “1944”,” Nõgene explained.
The prestigious and most broadcasted Cannes film festival dates back to 1946. For the first time, the Jury of the main competition of the festival this year has two Presidents, brothers Joel and Ethan Coen. The opening and closing ceremony of the festival is hosted by French actor Lambert Wilson.
The Secretary General to the Ministry of Culture and Chairman of the Council of the Estonian Film Institute Paavo Nõgene will also participate in the ceremonial premiere of the Nanni Moretti production titled “Mia Madre” and will meet several European film promoters.