August 2007

AVANTI N E W S L E TT E R NO4

AVAN TI
A program to support
the South Caucasian Film Community
on creative, legal and technical levels “WE HAVE MANAGED, ALL TOGETHER, TO BREATHE
SOME FRESH LIFE AND HOPE INTO THE FILM
Proposed and implemented by
COMMUNITY.”
Transfer of Power Speech by Pierre Agthe, Director of FOCAL
Foundation for professional training June 21, 2007
in cinema and audio visual media
2, rue du Maupas, CH - 1004 Lausanne
Phone +41 21 312 68 17
Dear IFA-SC Members, Dear Filmmakers from Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia,
Fax +41 21 323 59 45
E-mail: info@focal.ch Dear Colleagues
www.focal.ch
It has been five years since we first came to the South Caucasus, to meet filmmakers
Funded by the in the three countries and to elaborate, together with many of you, what since
became the AVANTI program.

Swiss Agency for Development

and Cooperation (SDC)

Swiss Cooperation Office

for the South Caucasus
12, Radiani Str.,
Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia
Phone +995 32 25 36 82 / 83
Fax +995 32 25 36 84
www.sdc.admin.ch

CON
C O N TE
TENNT
Transfer of power speech by Pierre
Agthe, director of FOCAL

“I am grateful to FOCAL”
Words of address by Tako Tatishvili,
Executive Director of IFA-SC,
“Flash Forward for South Caucasian
filmmakers” - The Film Conference The overall aim of AVANTI, defined by the Swiss Development and Cooperation
Agency, was very ambitious, inasmuch as it intended to contribute to the reinforcement
• Words of address by Lorenzo Amberg,
Ambassador of Switzerland of the social cohesion of South Caucasian society. In other words, the aim was to
make a lever of culture to contribute to trans-national and peaceful cooperation in
• “Meaningful cooperation between
the countries of this region” Words the region.
of address by Derek Müller, Regional
Director, SDC
More concretely however, AVANTI wanted to provide the South Caucasian community
• Selected statements from the panel of filmmakers with tools enabling them to participate successfully in the global
discussion – “Why do we want to go to
Cannes?” audiovisual market, without compromising each country’s creative vision, nor its
cultural identity.
• “Don’t see television as an enemy of
the big screen.” Statement by Nicolas
Bideau, Head of Film, Federal Office of Another of AVANTI’s main objectives was to encourage the development of a network
Culture, Switzerland of professionals open to new forms of collaboration, in South Caucasus and with
• “I wanted to do my own film!” - international partners.
Interview with Kadri Kõusaar, director,
Estonia
Did we succeed to achieving these aims?
• Reception at the Swiss Embassy
June 22, 2007
Let’s look at it in terms of facts:
Homage to Dagmar Benke • More than 100 producers, authors, directors, technicians and lawyers have
A glimpse into the future of IFA-SC, by received intensive training in scriptwriting, development packaging, budgeting,
Tako Tatishvili, Executive Director of financing, promotion and world sales, intellectual property laws, copyright and
IFA-SC
authors’ rights, direct sound recording and digital sound post-production;
Summary of the Market Research
results.
Next steps…the upcoming activities of AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007
IFA-SC
 2

AVAN T I and
a n d IFA- • 27 film projects – feature films, documentaries and short films - were developed
SC
S C was brought
bro ught tto o from the original concept to the final production package;
l i fe a
and
nd suuppor
pported • 6 short films, 3 documentaries and 1 feature film have been produced so far;
th
hanks
a n ks tto
o:: • IFA-SC has been set up, with the goal of assisting the film communities of the
three countries in their efforts to grow into an established sector of society;
Abdullayev Teymur • IFA-SC has led 6 training workshops and extensive market research projects on
Sound Director, Azerbaijan national and trans-national levels;
• IFA-SC has acquired sound-recording and sound-postproduction equipment,
Abdullayeva Alina
Film Director, Azerbaijan which is at the disposal of the filmmakers in each country;
• IFA-SC has set up a solid network and successful cooperation with different
Abovyan Vartan organizations, working in the film sector and in other aspects of the cultural
Deputy Head of the National
Cinema Center, Armenia scene;
• IFA-SC is developing lobbying actions for the integration of South Caucasian
Abrahamyan Armine filmmakers into the international film community; it has become a point of
Writer, Producer, Actress, Armenia
reference on the international level, and a key player here.
Abroyan Sirakan
Film Director, Armenia Above and beyond these facts, I consider that the program has contributed to:
Adamia Levan • developing an understanding of the importance of collaboration on a trans-
Film Director, Georgia national level
• helping a generation of film entrepreneurs to adapt to today’s guidelines for
Agazade Mirsadig
Film Director, Azerbaijan both film development and film production, and to face the film market as a world
market
Agthe Pierre • improving legal enforcement
Director of FOCAL, Switzerland
• providing access to feature films for young directors
Akbarov Farhad • producing some good films
Sound Engineer, Azerbaijan • awakening international interest in South Caucasian film productions
Aliev Nasimi Film
Director, Azerbaijan To me, these results are fantastic. Of course, as most of you know, tons of
assessments, discussions, meetings, general assemblies, working groups,
Aliyev Abbas
Secretary of the Board, negotiations, compromises, communications, texts, reports, evaluations, etc., etc,
Filmmakers Union, Azerbaijan etc. went into these achievements.
Aliyev Shamil
Writer, Azerbaijan Realizing this program has not
been an easy job, given all the
Allahverdyan Zara paradoxes, the national, corporatist
SDC Senior National
Program Officer, Armenia and personal interests, the geo-
political misunderstandings, the
Amberg Lorenzo generational conflicts and even a
Ambassador to, Armenia and,
Georgia Switzerland few dramatic clashes. Yet there were
also many extraordinary moments,
Amirah Kamal Elmari whenever people managed to take
Producer, Azerbaijan
the stakes into consideration and
Anjaparidze Nino to collaborate for the sake of the
Festival Director, Georgia project, for the sake of filmmaking
Arakelyan Arsen Film and for the sake of a common
Director, Armenia interest.
Arakelyan Anahit
Sound Engineer, Armenia Certainly, much still remains to be done. For example, we have not managed to
involve the Ministries of Culture in the support of filmmaking as much as needed. Nor
Arakelyan Damien have we been able to build up stable co-production bridges. And the South Caucasian
Producer, Armenia
cinema is insufficiently present in Cannes and on the international scene.
Arsenishvili Vano
Film Director, Georgia But when all is said and done, I know that we have managed, all together, to breathe
Arshakyan Karen some fresh life and hope into the film community.
Sound Engineer, Armenia
That is why I would like to extend my thanks to all of you who have contributed
Asatiani Tina
Translator, Georgia to this extraordinary adventure – to SDC for its financial, operational and creative
support; to all the participants in the activities over the years; to all the experts,
speakers and guests who have shared their know-how; to all IFA-SC’s Members over

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

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Asatiani Liana
Sound Director, Georgia the years; to the Board, the executive team and the executive director. Finally, I want
to thank the entire AVANTI Team and, in particular, my Swiss colleagues – Jeanne
Aslibekyan Anush
Critic, Armenia Berthoud and Luciano Gloor – who have coached the process along over the last
two years..
Avetyants Natalya
Media Manager, Armenia
Now FOCAL is leaving the set and you will have to go on shooting the film on your
Azizova Mehriban own. Except that, for the next two years, the financier remains the same, namely
Producer, Azerbaijan the SDC. That is why, as part of the transfer of power, I want to give you some tips
Bagaturia Irakli for your future negotiations with Swiss people.
Producer, Georgia
The first tip is PUNCTUALITY. Being on time
Bashyan Paruir
Sound Engineer, Armenia is a major concern for the Swiss, and you
lose half your chances in a negotiation if
Beknazarov Genadi you arrive late. Punctuality is symbolized
Sound Director, Armenia
in Switzerland by the drastic exactitude of
Bektashi Fikrin our trains. This will explain why all Swiss
Lawyer, Azerbaijan persons who enter a railway station will
Benke † Dagmar frantically look for the railway station clock,
Screenwriting Mentor, Germany to see if they are in time or if the train has
already pulled out without them. That is
Berger Jacob
Film Director, Switzerland why you are getting a railway station clock,
so you never forget punctuality.
Berishvili Tornike
Producer, Georgia
The second tip is RESOURCEFULNESS. Negotiations with Swiss people go through
Bernier Ivan lots of tests and hardships. Therefore you need a good survival kit, which is why you
Professor of law, Canada are receiving a Swiss knife.
Berthoud Jeanne It will enable you to prepare a tailor-made
Film Director, Switzerland contract,
It will enable you to cut the negotiation
Bideau Nicolas
Head of Film, Federal Office of Culture, knots between your needs and the other
Switzerland party’s expectations,
It will enable you to carve out the final
Bidou Jacques
Producer, France wording of the text
And it will enable you to open a bottle to
Blaney Martin celebrate the signature.
Journalist Great, Britain

Busidan Eric The third and last tip is RELAXATION. When you finally will have survived the
Lawyer, France negotiations and obtained a contract, you will be totally exhausted and need to
Bziava Tornike relax. That is why you are receiving a Swiss music box.
Film Director, Georgia
Now that you are equipped and ready to
Castera Gilles
Production Manager, France face the challenges to come, I would like to
convey my very best wishes for the future
Cherkezashvili Tamka to you. I have gotten to know you as very
Interpreter, Georgia
warm, sensitive, committed, original and
Cheterian Vicken courageous persons. I am therefore fully
CMI Caucasus Media Institute, Switzerland convinced that you will go on fighting for
Chieffo Vincent H. Lawyer the cinema, fighting to make your way to
USA the market, fighting for better recognition
by your audiences and authorities. All
Chkheidze Gaga
Director National Cinema Center, Georgia this because it is true that, in emerging
countries more than anywhere else, filmmakers can be key players in unveiling
Chkhonia Rusudan cultural identities and thereby strengthening the overall development process.
Screenwriter, Georgia

Chknavoryan Armen In a few years from now, you will definitely be in Cannes! And then, please don’t
Screenwriter, Armenia forget to make a little detour via Switzerland to say hello. We would be happy to see
Chlaidze Konstantin you again at any time.
Film Director / Deputy Director of the
National Cinema Center, Georgia

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

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Comé Joëlle
Producer, Switzerland
“I AM GRATEFUL TO FOCAL”
Words of address by Tako Tatishvili, Executive Director of IFA-SC
Cross-Najafi Rowena
Embassy of the United States of
America, USA

Darchiashvili David
Open Society, Georgia Foundation,
Georgia

Davituliani Elene
Sound Director, Georgia

Demetradze Irina
Translator, Georgia

Demetrashvili Goga
Designer, Georgia

Dostalizade Leyla Tako Tatishvili, Executive Director of IFA-SC

Producer, Assistant IFA-SC, Azerbaijan

Downs Clare
Script Doctor, England Today is the third calendar day of the independent functioning of IFA-SC since
July 1, 2007.
Dürst Markus
Former SDC Regional Director South
Caucasus, Switzerland FOCAL is no longer active in the South Caucasus and IFA-SC is proceeding to
implement activities for the success of filmmaking in the three countries.
Dziapshipa Anna
Art Manager, Georgia
But if we stand here today, if we promote calls for new training programs and if
Effenberger Julius we are proud to co-operate on a trans-national level, it is only thanks to FOCAL’s
Lawyer, Switzerland courageous initiative of knocking on the door of the South Caucasian filmmakers.
Eidenbenz Florian
Sound Engineer, Switzerland Nowadays, many people are proud to represent IFA-SC, to announce their member-
ship, to point out their participation in IFA-SC’s training and so forth. Yet, there are
Farajev Jamil
Head of the Section of National Film really a few people in particular who contributed to the successful establishment of
Production at the Ministry of Culture the Association and the work-friendly atmosphere among the persons involved.
and Tourism, Azerbaijan
The personal contributions of Pierre Agthe, Jeanne Berthoud and Luciano Gloor have
been an asset during the entire process. And, it all happened under the banner of
FOCAL –an organization dedicated to supporting the film sector everywhere in the
world, even in the South Caucasus, often denoted as “the rest of the world”.

I am glad to realize that the last three- year-period was full of tough but also happy
moments, full of losses but also many a success, and that IFA-SC has never had
to travel the road alone. The whole long journey from AVANTI to the setting up of
IFA-SC was a paradox: a junction point of cultural differences, compromises, and in-
“IFA-SC, set up only recently, fighting, and yet a coming together in order to develop the film sectors.
has already proven itself
worthwhile through its activities. On behalf of the Association, I am grateful to FOCAL’s representatives for their belief
It is a creation of all its founding and commitment. Utopia can come true – in the South Caucasus, that is now a
members. Just as every parent proven fact.
wishes his child well, so I wish with
all my heart that, firstly, IFA-SC I hope that IFA-SC will go on proving that it can ensure a long life of utopian projects
will stay true to the intentions of and enjoy many more years in support of the film communities in Armenia, Azerbaijan
its founders, but also that it will and Georgia.
continue integrating and further
developing the entire filmmaking That is what I feel would be the best form of appreciation on behalf of FOCAL and
realm of South Caucasus, and its representatives in person, on behalf of those standing at the root of AVANTI and
that it will become a trademark IFA-SC.
Association respected by the film
sector as a whole.” Here’s wishing FOCAL endless creativity, thousands of inspiring projects and IFA-SC’s
name as a partner for many more years!
Nariman Mammadov, Producer,
Azerbaijan

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

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Farges Joël
Producer, France
FLASH FORWARD FOR SOUTH CAUCASIAN FILMMAKERS
- THE FILM CONFERENCE
Friedmann Julian
Agent, ScriptWriter Magazine, Great
Britain
On the June 21, 2007, IFA-SC and FOCAL
Gabashvili Giorgi
Minister of Culture, Georgia successfully brought together over 130
participants – representatives of the South
Gachechiladze George Caucasian film industry and international
Film Director, Georgia
guests – in Tbilisi for a Film Conference.
Galstyan Vigen Entitled Flash Forward for South Caucasian
Producer/Film Director/Writer, Armenia Filmmakers, the event offered South
Galstyan Hovhannes Caucasian filmmakers and other guests
Film Director, Armenia the opportunity to celebrate IFA-SC’s first
year of activity and to jointly envision their
Gamrekeli Nino
Art Manager, Georgia future collaboration as a strong, creative
and successful film community. The Film
Gaon Igor Conference also provided occasion for FOCAL to extend a warm “good-bye” to its
Council of Europe
colleagues and friends in the South Caucasus.
Garaveliyeva Jamila
Manager, Azerbaijan The topic of the panel discussion held in the afternoon was “Why do we want to go
Gasanov Rasim to Cannes?” – For two hours, the panellists shared their personal experiences with
Producer, Azerbaijan the audience, and considered the impact of this crucial question on the development
of filmmaking and filmmakers in the South Caucasus. The panel was composed by
Gasparyan Arsen
Film Director, Producer, Armenia Nicolas Bideau (Head of Film, Federal Office of Culture, Switzerland), Esther Van
Messel (Sales Agent, Switzerland), Jacques Bidou (Producer, France) and Kadri
Gegia Alex Kõusaar (Director, Estonia); it was moderated by Luciano Gloor (Producer and IFA-
Assistant, Driver, Georgia
SC Consultant, Switzerland/Germany). After the discussion, the South Caucasian
participants had an opportunity to network with their international colleagues.

In the evening, the Film Conference

participants headed for the “Muza” Cultural
Center, to enjoy the Flash Forward Party.
The guests celebrated well into the night,
listening to jazz music, dancing, and
partaking of the lavish buffet. Four films
“I cordially hope that IFA-SC will were screened during the party: Curfew
join in with the rest of the powers Hour by Levan Adamia, The Way Out by
seeking to overcome the film crisis Nasimi Aliyev, extracts from Bonded Parallels
in Southern Caucasus. The potential by Hovhannes Galstyan and Enemies by
of a united Armenian, Azeri and David Matevossian.
Georgian front – which, moreover,
promises to still grow and shift – is On the day following the panel, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Georgia and
really good news for the future. The Armenia, Mr. Lorenzo Amberg, received the participants, together with representatives
assistance provided to IFA-SC by of the diplomatic corps, in his Tbilissi residence, where useful informal discussions
the Swiss has been considerable and contacts took place.
and is invaluable. Therefore, my
wish is for things not to go the way The event received broad coverage in the local press and the news. The international
they have gone for so many of the media were represented by Martin Blaney of Screen International and Sven Waelti of
regional and local NGOs – showing the Swiss magazine Ciné-Bulletin.
up on the scene but then doing
NOTHING actively, simply wasting all
the possibilities and strengths...The
challenging activities being pursued
by IFA-SC today give me reason to
hope that things will be different in
this case.”

David Matevossian, Film director,

Armenia

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

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Germann Christophe
“Legal Adviser“, Switzerland
WORDS OF ADDRESS BY MR. LORENZO AMBERG
Ambassador of Switzerland to Georgia and Armenia, on the occasion of
Gevorgyan Lusine the panel discussion during the Film Conference on the June 21, 2007,
Director, Producer, Armenia
in Tbilisi
Ghahramanyan Liana
SDC Administrative Assistant, Armenia

Gheerbrant Denis Distinguished guests, Dear friends,

Documentary Filmmaker, French

Giorgobiani Besarion One week ago we celebrated the fifteenth

Representative of Mr Zaza Urushadze, anniversary of the establishment of
Film Director, Georgia diplomatic relations between Switzerland
Gisler Marcel and Georgia. Many people have asked
Film Director, Germany us, in this context, what Switzerland was
particularly proud of during this period.
Gloor Luciano
Producer, Germany And without any hesitation, I was able
to answer that our cooperation in the
Glurjidze Rusudan Lorenzo Amberg, Ambassador of Switzerland to
field of cinema is the flagship of our Georgia and Armenia
Film Director, Georgia
cultural links, including such aspects as
Grigoryan Areg institution-building and regionally oriented projects. We consider the creation of IFA-
Sound Engineer, Armenia SC (Independent Film Maker’s Association – South Caucasus) as a success story.
Gujabidze Ketevan
Film Director, Georgia This project represents an attempt to help keep part of the great South Caucasus
film tradition from being totally atomized. And we are indeed very proud that IFA-
Gulmaliyev Ogtay
SDC National Program Officer, SC still can bring together cineasts, producers, technicians and other professionals
Azerbaijan from the three South Caucasian countries, regardless of all the potentially divisive
political issues between them. Ask any film lover in the streets of Yerevan, Tbilissi or
Gurchiani Tamuna
Art Manager, Georgia Baku, and even of Moscow for that matter, and you will elicit a lot of positive feelings
when you bring up a few names such as Sophiko Tschiaureli, the Georgian actress
Gutman Alexandre who played in the Armenian-Georgian co-production Chabarba; or the famous Azeri
Documentary Filmmaker, Russia
Musical Arschin Malalan, which was extremely popular in the South Caucasus and
Gvindadze Nathalie beyond. One of the unforgettable classics of Caucasian cinema is Mimino, where at
SDC Administrative Assistant, Georgia one point Vakhtang Gigabidse and Frunzik Mkrtitschan indulge in a friendly debate
Hagemann Martin over the respective advantages and beauties of Tbilissi and Yerevan. People like
Producer, Germany Paradjanov, who was an Armenian from Tbilissi, Tenguis Abouladze, and Vagif
Mustafayev havea made a name for themselves far beyond the Caucasus. By the
Hakobyan Hrant
Producer, Armenia way, the first major Azeri film, On the blue sea (Mavi Danizir Shahilinda), by Samed
Mardanov in cooperation with Boris Barnet, is one of the French director (of Swiss
Harris Andrea origin) Jean-Luc Godard’s favourites.
Eurasia Foundation

Harutunyan Arzuman In September last year, the Festival Est-Ouest in the French city of Die was devoted
Film Director, Armenia to the cinema of the South Caucasus. This means that the South Caucasian cinema
Hernandez Stephenie tradition exists and is well remembered. This tradition is a solid foundation for
Accountant, Switzerland the future as well. Of course, we cannot turn back time and recreate something
that no longer corresponds to our era. But we can try to preserve the best of it.
Herren Urs
SDC, Switzerland Despite all the difficulties, IFA-SC has proven that the filmmakers of these three
countries are willing to work together. One potential area of cooperation could be the
regional presentation of three national productions, one from each country, within
the framework of a regional festival. As I understand it, this is to be among the
discussion topics for today’s panel discussion. We are fortunate to have with us
today Nicolas Bideau, the “Mr. Cinema” of Switzerland, who has done so much in
the last few years to keep Swiss film production and promotion afloat. I am sure his
input for the discussion will provide valuable insights.
“It is my wish that IFA-SC will be
able to raise enough money to help I would like to say some special words of welcome to the filmmakers and officials
develop the cinema industry in from the respective ministries of culture from Armenia and Azerbaijan, whose
the South Caucasus. I wish IFA-SC presence today is a sign of how much they appreciate the creative traditions of
good luck!” South Caucasus. Their attendance at this meeting is a confirmation of their readiness
to continue a joint, regional approach to film production. This is exactly the attitude
Irakli Bagaturia, Producer, Georgia favoured by the Swiss side. I wish all of you a very fruitful discussion.

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

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Hoganesyan Susanna
Music Critic, Armenia
« IFA-SC IS ONE OF THE FEW ORGANIZATIONS IN THE
SOUTHERN CAUCASUS ENGAGING IN MEANINGFUL
Huseynov Elmari COOPERATION BETWEEN THE COUNTRIES OF THIS
Producer, Azerbaijan
REGION. »
Iashvili Levan
Sound Engineer, Georgia Words of address by Derek Müller, Regional Director, Swiss Development
Cooperation in the South Caucasus
Ibraimbekov Rustam
Writer, Azerbaijan

Iosseliani Otar
“Film Director, Writer“, Georgia Dear Members of the Independent
Filmmakers’ Association South Caucasus
Isayeva Seriyekhanim
Producer, Azerbaijan Dear Guests from Armenia, Azerbaijan,
Georgia, Switzerland and other countries
Isgandarov Parviz Ladies and Gentlemen
Lawyer, Azerbaijan

Ismayilov Rasim It is a pleasure to address you today, the

Azerbaijan 21st of June 2007, on behalf of the Swiss
Jabarov Ali Isa Agency for Development and Cooperation.
Film Director, Azerbaijan This occasion marks the day when the
Independent Filmmakers’ Association Derek Müller, Regional Director, Swiss
Jaccoud Antoine
Writer, Switzerland South Caucasus, a long-time partner of Development Cooperation in the South Caucasus
the SDC, becomes self-sustainable – in
Jaeger Niculin the sense that it will act as Switzerland’s direct contractual partner for the next phase
Deputy Head of Mission, Swiss Embassy
Georgia of cooperation on this project. This new role will entail, among other responsibilities,
being accountable for Swiss taxpayers’ money in a professional manner.
Janelidze Dato
Film Director, Georgia
After many years of support by and close partnership with the Swiss foundation
Janjgava Vasil FOCAL, the Independent Filmmakers’ Association South Caucasus is well prepared
Manager, Georgia for this endeavour. It is, therefore, a distinct pleasure to express our thanks and
appreciation to FOCAL, represented here by its director, for the past years of
challenging and fruitful cooperation within the framework of the AVANTI project.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Independent Filmmakers’ Association South Caucasus is

one of the few organizations in the Southern Caucasus (and the only one supported
by the Swiss government) engaging in meaningful cooperation between the countries
of this region. It is therefore a an honour to welcome the representatives of the
ministries of culture of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia here today and to thank
these institutions for their highly appreciated cooperation, which – I have all reason
“It was a great pleasure for me to to hope – is destined to become even more substantial in future.
take part in the film conference
“Flash Forward for the South As already mentioned, from next week on, the Independent Filmmakers’ Association
Caucasian Filmmakers”, organized South Caucasus will become the direct partner of the Swiss Agency for Development
by IFA-SC and the Swiss foundation and Cooperation for purposes of implementing the project known here as AVANTI.
FOCAL. After many years of support to the film sector in the South Caucasus, this will be
In 2005, I participated in the first the last phase of Swiss cooperation on the project. I trust that the professionalism
step of the AVANTI project. Since and marketing skills of the Association’s management will convince other donor
then, I have attended many useful partners – and especially the governments of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia – to
events and meetings organized by increase cooperation with the Independent Filmmakers’ Association South Caucasus.
IFA-SC. In this spirit, I have good trust that today’s event will also contribute to making the
As a filmmaker and producer, the Association better known to future cooperation partners.
conference ”Flash Forward for the
South Caucasian Filmmakers” gave Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Colleagues, I wish you a rewarding conference and an
me hope that the Caucasian film exciting evening.
industry does have a future. As a
member of this industry, I’m always
ready to collaborate with IFA-SC.”

Giorgi Ovashvili, Producer and

Director, Georgia

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

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Janjgava Irma
Assistant Market Resarch IFA-SC,
”WHY DO WE WANT TO GO TO CANNES?”
Georgia Selected statements from the panel discussion
Japiashvili Nino
Producer, Georgia
”Do not make films for the US or Europe – make films for your own country! Tell your
Javadzade Huseyn
Scriptwriter, Azerbaijan own story for your own people, for your own soul. Be true to yourself.”

Jendreyko Vadim “Do not try to make a block-buster. It is pointless to compete with the big-name
Documentary Film Director, Germany
movies. You have to make your own films. Try not to imitate.”
Kacharava Vladimer
Producer, Georgia ”Try to work with a low budget. Of course
Kajrishvili Tinatin it is difficult to attain a high standard with
Writer, Georgia but little money, but this forces you to
be inventive and creative. Compensate
Kamina Pascal
“Attorney at Law“, France a low budget with creativity. Do not
shoot in the traditional way, because
Karapetyan Melik that means a high budget and makes
Producer, Armenia
you dependent on foreign money. Not
Karimov Gunduz every film has to be shot on 35mm. And
Lawyer, Azerbaijan sometimes money can even influence a
Kartsivadze Eka film to go in the wrong direction.”
Interpreter, Georgia
“Invent your own style, try not to be
Kassouny Vrej
Animator, Painter, Armenia politically correct, feel free –that’s your only chance! Whenever our production
company had one of its films screened in Cannes or Berlin, it was because that film
Kavtaradze Irma was totally original.“ You have to find new ways – your ways. New ideas never come
Lawyer, Georgia
from the mainstream.”
Kbeyan Harut
Scriptwriter, Armenia “Try to find money in your own country before approaching foreign producers and
Keil Klaus financiers. Why should a foreign producer be interested in your project, when you
“Former Head of the Filmboard cannot even prove that people in your own country are interested in your project
Berlin-Brandenburg”, Germany and want to support it? It is most important for the ministries of culture of Armenia,
Kerimov Teymur Azerbaijan and Georgia to support their filmmakers. You filmmakers have to lobby
Sound Producer, Azerbaijan for that, and to force the governments to come up with funding.”
Khachaturyan Ruben
Producer, Armenia “Being screened at the Cannes Film Festival
is the most publicity a film can get – for two
Khakimov Aleksander days! It comes and it goes, and then it is all
Biologist, Writer, Azerbaijan
over. The world will always be curious about
”new things“, but all too soon your film in
turn will be ”old hat”. Festivals are always
helpful, but sustainable filmmaking only
works when you make a film for your own
market. Therefore, it is important to work
on continuity in your own country: to build
up an infrastructure and an audience.”

I hope that IFA-SC will never forget

its trainees, and will continue in
the same successful way. My wish
would be for IFA-SC to organize
not only training sessions but also
joint work projects for professionals
from Georgia, Armenia and
Azerbaijan.

Teymur Kerimov, Sound engineer,

Azerbaijan

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

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Khodokyan Karine
Deputy Minister of Culture Department,
“DON’ T SEE TELEVISION AS AN ENEMY
Armenia OF THE BIG SCREEN.”
Khoperska Sophie
Nicolas Bideau, Head of Film, Federal Office of Culture, Switzerland
Accountant IFA-SC, Georgia
“Even though some might think that the
Khvedelidze Ekaterine
Producer, Georgia situation in Switzerland and in the South
Caucasus is not comparable, I believe that
Khvedelidze Beso there are many similarities to be noticed.
Producer, Georgia
During the eighties, Swiss cinema faced a
Khzmalyan Tigran serious crisis where Swiss filmmakers had
Film Director, Armenia to invent new ways to bring their art back
Kipshidze Maia into the spotlight. Counting on scarce public
Embassy of the UK, Great Britain funding, the new generation chose television
channels as its main financial partners.
Kobaladze Vakhtang Nicolas Bideau, Head of Film, Federal Office
SDC National Program Officer, Georgia Through this partnership between the big
of Culture
and the small screen, Swiss filmmakers
Kolar Cedomir managed to build a strong and stable industry, which nowadays is successful and
Producer, France
uninhibited both in theatres and on TV.
Koll Björn
Distributor,Germany Therefore, if I am asked to give some advice to South Caucasian filmmakers, I would
Kopyan Vardan definitely say: Don’t see television as an enemy of the big screen. Take advantage
“Deputy Chairman, Council of Public of the money available there, don’t be ashamed to make TV movies, create a
Television and Radio”, Armenia fruitful emulation between television and cinema. Television gives access to a broad
Kostandyan Artyom audience; don’t underrate it because local audience interest is a crucial factor for
Lawyer, Armenia the success of your cinematography in the future.”
Kõusaar Kadri
Film Director, Estonia

Krempke Thomas
“I WANTED TO DO MY OWN FILM!”
“Director of Photography“, Switzerland Kadri Kõusaar, writer and film director, Estonia
Kuchaidze Maka
Sound Director, Georgia

Kukhianidze Malkhaz Kadri Kõusaar - born in 1980 - studied

Film Director, Georgia Spanish and literature at the University of
Tartu. She has published two books, as well
“Kuntseva-Gabashvili“ Nino
Lawyer, Georgia as cultural articles and reviews in the most
important newspapers in Estonia. Magnus
Kurz Sibylle is her first film and also the first Estonian
Pitching Consultant, Germany
film to be invited to compete in the official
Kvatashadze Aleksander selection of the Cannes Film Festival.
Writer, Georgia
Kadri Kõusaar, writer and film director

Kadri, your film was selected to compete in the “Un Certain Regard”
category at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. It is the first Estonian film
ever to be invited to Cannes...
It was a completely crazy feeling to be selected for Cannes! We had just filled in the
application forms and posted the DVDs for the Cannes selection committee. We did
not hope anything... We knew that they have more than 5000 films to choose from...
Three weeks later came the phone call from Cannes... But the craziest thing was that
I wish IFA-SC health and a long “Magnus” was invited by two different programs – “Un Certain Regard” and ”The
life. IFA-SC is like glue – connecting Directors’ Fortnight” and I had to decide which programme to choose!
and bringing people together. I
hope that this quality will not get What was the most striking experience of being in Cannes?
lost in the future, but that, on I felt like Cinderella – after the parties when it was impossible to get a taxi, I just
the contrary, it will become even walked back barefoot to our apartment... All my evening dresses were borrowed; we
stronger. were financially broke and overworked... and then all that glitz and glamour. Cannes
is very bizarre experience existentially: you feel bigger than ever, but also smaller
Arsen Arakelyan, Film director / than ever... But all your doubts and sufferings just vanish, when people come to
Producer, Armenia thank you after the screening, their eyes in tears...

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

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Lackner Erich
Producer, Austria Having the film in Cannes was the result of long road. How did you finance
the film?
Lackner Denise
SDC CIS Division Program Assistant It was very difficult. Since I was a first-time director, the governmental Estonian Film
Switzerland Foundation did not give me any money – they did not want to take the risk. I had
no connections, no money…
Lagazidze † Levan
Film Director, Georgia I had written the script and was negotiating with various producers. I had also shot
a demo which I financed being a photo model for FHM... Some Estonian producers
Le Hot Elizabeth were interested, but turned away after Estonian Film Foundation had rejected the
Counsellor for Multilateral Affairs in the
European and International Department project. It often happens in Estonia that the producer will give up a project only
of CNC, France because he cannot get any money from the Estonian Film Foundation.
I met Donal casually in London. He came to visit me in Estonia and overheard my
Linder Toni
SDC Cultural Desk, Switzerland phone calls with US producers who demanded that I make the film in English and
locate it in New York, Brighton Beach. I of course rejected the idea... Suddenly Donal
Litmanovitsch Andreas said he was willing to finance the movie himself out of his private savings. I am very
Sound Engineer, Switzerland
grateful for him – he did it because he felt a strong personal connection to the story
Lopez Estella of “Magnus”, Estonia and me.
SDC Assistant, Switzerland

Mamedkerimov Ismail What was your budget for the film?

Film Director, Azerbaijan We had only US$ 60,000 – entirely out of Donal’s pocket. We tried to save money
wherever we could: We took only 21 days to shoot. Many people worked for free;
Mamedov Zaur
Sound Engineer, Azerbaijan only five actors got paid. We were shooting on HD. A friend bought a camera that we
could use for free, and after the film he resold the camera. We had to buy the lights
Mamedova Arzu as well. There were no HMI in Estonia, so the producer bought them and resold them
Film Director, Azerbaijan
after the shooting. A friend sponsored all the gasoline bills after the shooting etc.
Mamishev Elmari The funny thing is that the budget for going to Cannes was the same than the
Lawyer, Azerbaijan shooting budget! But this time the Estonian Film Foundation was happy to pay 70%
of the necessary US$ 60,000. For the other 30%, I had to beg for money, to find
private sponsoring. At one point, I was not even sure that I could find all the money
we needed to go to Cannes! The film had to be transferred to 35mm, the sound had
to be transferred to Dolby, all the promotional material had to be prepared…
When Cannes selections were made public, sales agents started to call us and offer
their services. And I even had an agent from Hollywood call up asking to represent
me…

Do you feel more self-confident after the “Cannes experience”?

Definitely! It showed me what can be achieved through willpower. It took so much
effort to have this film made, but we did it! We proved that it is possible to make
“I am very grateful to the a breakthrough with a tiny budget, first time director, first time producer, first time
Association for giving me the actors... Just because we had a story to tell...
opportunity to meet wonderful,
extremely warm people from the What are your current plans?
three countries of the Caucasus I have a new film project, and right now I’m working on the script. The main theme
and from Europe. Many of them will be gratitude.
have become my friends. The
Association plays an important “Magnus” - Synopsis of the film
role in the development of South Magnus is a sensitive boy from a family where nobody really cares about him. His
Caucasian film production; besides, parents consider that, given food and shelter, their children will just grow up on
it is a BRIDGE between the their own. As a child, Magnus suffers from a potentially fatal lung disease and he
representatives of the film sectors plays bizarre games to cheat death. Ten years later, modern medicine has cured
of our countries. My wish is for the disease, but Magnus’ death wish continues. After his second attempt to take
this BRIDGE to provide a strong his own life, his father’s conscience finally awakens. He tries to convince his son to
foothold, binding us all together go on living, sharing with him his own unorthodox
with strong ties of friendship. May lifestyle. An uneasy and sometimes humorous
the Association always be the relationship develops between Magnus and his
embodiment of earnest, friendly father, leading to an unexpected conclusion...
relationships.” (Source: official website of the Cannes Film Festival
2007)
Leyla Dostali-Zade, Producer,
Azerbaijan For more information see the official website of the
film: www.magnusfilm.com

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Mammadov Nariman
Lawyer, Producer, Azerbaijan
THE FILM CONFERENCE - Reception at the Swiss Embassy
on June 22, 2007
Mammadov Jahangir
Chief Department of Cinematography,
Azerbaijan The Film Conference was also a unique public relations opportunity for IFA-SC to
meet potential financiers. To support this purpose, His Excellency Lorenzo Amberg,
Markosyan Magda
Assistant IFA-SC, Armenia Swiss Ambassador to Georgia and Armenia, organised a reception at his residence
on the June 22, 2007. He generously hosted fifty guests: South Caucasian and
Martirosyan Vahram international filmmakers as well as representatives from foreign embassies and
Writer/Journalist, Armenia
other institutions. This gathering allowed the latter to discover IFA-SC’s activities and
Matevossian David familiarise themselves with South Caucasian cinema. The Ambassador’s residence
Film Director, Armenia was a perfect venue for informal discussions among the guests.
Mchedlishvili Ioseb
Journalist/Critic, Georgia
THE ROLE OF IFA-SC IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS - as seen
Mehdiyev Huseyn
Chairman Guild of Film Directors, by official representatives of the Ministries of Culture from Armenia,
Azerbaijan Azerbaijan and Georgia

IFA-SC does a good and useful job. The workshops IFA-SC offers in different
spheres are very much needed, and enable the participants to obtain European-level
training.
Of course these training sessions mainly offer only basic knowledge, but I would
hope that this basic know-how could be deepened and further explored. It would be
good if IFA-SC could send selected participants abroad for training in film schools.
The participants would then come back to their respective country with all their
acquired know-how and help develop the cinema industry in the South Caucasus.

Vartan Abovyan, Deputy Head of the National Cinema Center of Armenia

IFA-SC continues what began with the AVANTI updating

programme: to support filmmaking in the South
Caucasus. Thanks to the training sessions organized by
IFA-SC and the AVANTI updating programme, young
and talented directors and producers have emerged
“IFA-SC has a very important and proven their worth. We are proud to announce that
peacekeeping, educational and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan has
unifying role to play within the film supported, and continues to support new projects and
sector of South Caucasus. Thanks films by this latest generation of filmmakers. We are grateful to FOCAL and SDC for
to the AVANTI project, which later laying the foundations for the careers of young and promising filmmakers.
grew into IFA-SC, links between
the filmmakers of the three Jamil Farajev, Head of the Section of National Film Production at the Ministry of
Caucasian countries have been Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan
restored. A common platform has
been established, which slowly but
surely is helping the filmmakers of
our region to share the European IFA-SC is a very important organization, and it is pursuing
model of film production. Much a policy that is exactly what the Georgian cinema needs
depends on further, correctly to flourish. IFA-SC made the right choice by deciding to
selected policy and work methods concentrate on sound equipment and the development
by IFA-SC. I wish that our links will of scenarios. These are the very sectors where input
become stronger, and I hope that and support are most needed.
films made in South Caucasus will But IFA-SC represents more than training programmes:
become an important constituent In former times we did not know what was happening
of cinema worldwide. in the cinema sector in Armenia and Azerbaijan. Nowadays, IFA-SC enables and
facilitates contacts with the neighbouring countries and also with international
Maryam Oganyan, Film director, experts and film professionals.
Armenia
Konstantin Chlaidze, Deputy Director of the Georgian National Film Center

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

 12

Meier Ursula
Film Director, Switzerland
“FILM IS THE MOST HUMAN AND COMPELLING WAY TO
TELL STORIES.”
Melikova Nigar Collected statements about IFA-SC during the Film Conference
Lawyer, Azerbaijan

Meyer Thomas
SDC Deputy Regional Director South
Caucasus, Azerbaijan

Mkhitaryan Ashot
Producer, Armenia

Mkrtchyan Ashot I wish IFA-SC good luck, and hope that the
Director of Photography, Armenia film projects developed during the training
Mnatsakanyan Ara sessions conducted by IFA-SC will be able to
Producer, Armenia be carried out, and that they make it to the
screen!
Mueller Derek
SDC Regional Director South Caucasus,
Georgia Martin Blaney, Journalist, «Screen International», Germany
Musa Oglu Elchin
Film Director, Azerbaijan

Mustafayeva Aynur Due to the long and strong tradition of filmmaking in the South Caucasus, the
Producer, Azerbaijan
development of cinema in the region is very important. Through its activities, IFA-SC
Muzaffarova Nonna contributes to the development of culture in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Film Director, Azerbaijan

Najaf Ilgar Maia Kipshidze, Deputy Director of the British Council in Georgia
Film Director, Azerbaijan

Najafzada Shamil
Film Director, Azerbaijan
Cinema is always in my heart. I am thrilled to see so many motivated people putting
Natter Wernfried so much energy into the future of South Caucasian cinema.
Line Producer, Austria

Navasardyan Levon Biruta Bera, Consul of the Republic of Latvia in Georgia

Film is the most human and compelling way to tell stories. Therefore, of all arts, film
has the greatest potential to create intercultural dialogue and to encourage peace-
making.

Andrea Harris, Regional Vice-President, Eurasia Foundation

“What can I say about IFA-SC? You I hope that IFA-SC will continue to work with the
know, I liked AVANTI, the Regional same energy, vigour and drive that I experienced
Scheme and, generally, the entire during the Film Conference, and that it will be
SDC and FOCAL project. able to grow into a sustainable institution.
I think everything is going well,
and that IFA-SC is doing its job! Sven Wälti, Journalist «Cine Bulletin»,
Maybe they should be more active Switzerland
and confident, have closer links
with the media. (...) Relations
with South Caucasian filmmakers
should be more intensive. It should
be a goal of the Association to
become an extremely important
organization for the film sector.(...)“

Rasim Hasanov, Producer,

Azerbaijan

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

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Sound Engineer, Armenia HOMAGE TO DAGMAR BENKE

Neimanis Egons Antoine Jaccoud, screenwriter, script consultant for the short film group
Embassy of the Republic of Latvia,
Latvia
within AVANTI

Noschis Mathias
Assistant to the Director of IFA-SC,
Switzerland
Dagmar Benke had a favourite film
Odisharia Givi that she was wont to present and
Film Director, Georgia
praise wherever and whenever
Oganyan Mariam she sought to encourage a certain
Film Director, Armenia freistil* — a certain audacity, a free-
Olsen Mads style approach to narrating a story.
Film Finance Specialist Denmark That film is the Macedonian Milcho
Manchevski’s Before the Rain, a
Ovashvili George
Screenwriter, Director, Georgia dark and violent work whose loop-
structured narrative fascinated her.
Pagès Luc
Director, Director of Photography,
France The life of humans, however, knows no such endless fiction-story loops. Dagmar
passed away in the month of March, at the age of 48, depriving us of her gentleness
Paniashvili Nika and intelligence, and of an unbounded curiosity that drove her to consider hundreds
Sound Engineer/Sound assistant
IFA-SC, Georgia of screenplays the world over in order to better them, or simply to prepare them
for a life ahead. From her work with the ZDF television station’s program Das kleine
Paniashvili Irakli Fernsehspiel, Dagmar had acquired the wisdom and expertise of veteran script
Film Director, Georgia
doctors, while avoiding their mannerisms. Her way was to set aside the “rules and
Parsadanyan Armine tools” of the trade, in favour of lending an ear to all sorts of projects, each one of
Lawyer, Armenia which she handled as unique. And this whether it would go on to make but a modest
Paskevichyan Tigran career for itself or else, like Jasmila Zbanic’s Grbavica, end up receiving the Berlin
Film Director, Armenia Festival’s Golden Bear.
Perret Jean
“Documentary Courage is still another virtue belonging to
Film Festival Director”, Switzerland this most endearing colleague. At the close
of winter, knowing that the end was near, she
Pertakhia Otar
Writer, Georgia bade us farewell with a sweet lucidity that left
us awestruck. No trace of bitterness. Her only
Pfaeffli Andrès regret was having to leave behind a husband
Producer, Switzerland
and son whom she would have liked to love
Pirveli Rusudan for a longer time...
Film Director, Georgia

Polukhov Elkhan It was a few weeks before the opening of the last Festival that, together, they buried
Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the ashes of their wife and mother in the Bay of Cannes. Those of us who recently
Azerbaijan gazed out at the sea down there, having managed to steal a few brief moments
Poylo Milena away from the crowds and the whole downside of the film world on show, could not
Producer, France help feeling a sudden and overriding wave of sadness. It would be because Dagmar
was such a beautiful person.
Rabaglia Denis
Film Director, Italy
Dagmar Benke worked for FOCAL as a script consultant on several occasions, notably
Ramishvili Tamuna within AVANTI as mentor for one of the feature film groups.
Lawyer, Georgia

Rasulzade Chingiz *FREISTIL - DRAMATURGIE FÜR FORTGESCHRITTENE UND

Writer, Director, Azerbaijan EXPERIMENTIERFREUDIGE.
Rüegg Thomas Luebbe Verlagsgruppe, October 2002
Former SDC Regional Director South
Caucasus, Switzerland

Rustamov Asif
Film Director, Azerbaijan

Rzayev Yaver
Film Director, Azerbaijan

Safat Ilgar translated from the French by: Margie Mounier

Scriptwriter, Azerbaijan

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

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A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE OF IFA-SC

By Tako Tatishvili, Executive Director of IFA-SC

It is not too ambitious to say that the creation

and successful functioning of IFA-SC is a
vivid breakthrough in the South Caucasus,
and an example of the fact that culture is
a field where trans-national cooperation can
be effectively achieved. IFA-SC has managed
to survive in a poorly developed sector as an
“(…) I would like to focus on the example of regional cohesion. It is essential
priority projects to which IFA- to maintain the role of the pioneer initiative,
SC should pay utmost attention. encouraging other small initiatives to make
There are two major problems the same efforts and take the same risks.
that keep independent film-makers
from implementing their main IFA-SC continues to work in fields where it already has obtained experience and
projects, and thus create obstacles expertise, like training sessions to support the development of South Caucasian film
for the development of South projects, the promotion of films and the carrying out of analytical market research.
Caucasian cinema. These are:
the absence of a legal basis for In the future, IFA-SC will also be exploring a new realm of endeavour, namely lobbying.
the development of local cinema Legal Recommendations will be elaborated with a focus on the main findings related
and the absence of access to to local structures. This will be followed by comparative analyses with regard to film
the international film market. As support systems in the South Caucasus
to the first problem, as far as I
am informed, IFA-SC is currently IFA-SC is willing to contribute towards the establishment of a distribution system,
elaborating a lobbying program and will thus be keen to initiate small activities supporting the above-mentioned
to be implemented next year. process.
As for the second problem, the
Golden Apricot Festival in Yerevan Up until now, financing for IFA-SC had been secured only via the Swiss Agency for
is already implementing a market Development Cooperation (SDC) IFA-SC will continue to work with its main sponsor
project within the framework of the for another two years, i.e. from June 2007 to July 2008.
DAB. However, one problem arises
in this connection: filmmakers Financial feasibility is one of the most problematic issues regarding the long-term
from Azerbaijan do not have existence of IFA-SC. For the moment, two other funding partners have shown up
access to this market (for well- on board of IFA-SC: Open Society Institute Budapest (Soros Foundation) and Jan
known reasons). Therefore, I Vrijman Fund. They support IFA-SC in concrete activities, and we do hope that the
suggest creating a similar Market list will be much more representative in the future.
within the framework of the Tbilisi
International Film Festival. European associations like IFA-SC are generally supported by public funding.
Unfortunately, it is obvious that IFA-SC cannot rely on any kind of public contribution
Finally, I would like to mention in support of its future functioning for at least the next ten years.
our current and future sponsors.
It is not a secret that our present Thus, we plan to use the two years ahead to carefully research possibilities to
sponsor – the SDC – finances achieve self-sustaining functioning as far as the IFA-SC’s structuring and activities
us because IFA-SC reflects the are concerned. There is no question but that an active fundraising policy will be
interests of filmmakers in the three applied to generate the needed resources.
countries of South Caucasus. In
my opinion, our future sponsors The main point for us is to always remain committed to the support of filmmakers
will agree to support IFA-SC from the three countries of the South Caucasus!
only in such case as it enhances
cooperation between the
filmmakers of all three countries.
Thus, the best example of such
cooperation would be to implement
a joint project.(…)”

Aram Zaryan, Producer, Armenia

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

 15

Saghinadze Gia
MARKET RESEARCH – CINEMA IN THE SOUTH CAUCASUS
Producer, Georgia Summary of the Results
Salimli Mirbala
Writer, Film Director, Azerbaijan

Samedova Sevinge
Producer, Azerbaijan I. Audience Research

Sandini Michela In 2006, the research team carried

Embassy of Italy, Italy
out a public opinion survey in Tbilisi,
Sardaryan Gohar Baku and Yerevan. The goal was to
Lawyer, Armenia conduct a study of the social attitudes
Saredi Christa of the audience to various indices of
Sales Agent, Switzerland film production. 500 respondents in
each city, in an age range of from15 to
Sargsyan Izabella
Project manager, Armenia 55, were selected randomly.

Sargsyan Artur The research results revealed the

Film Director, Armenia
essential factors that define audience
Schlesinger Thomas preferences. We have also identified
Script Doctor, Germany various specific, film-“customer”
“Schlüter Schierbeck” Katrine behavioural models.
Lawyer, Denmark
There are a number of film production characteristics that consumers in the South
Semenov Sergey
Lawyer, Russia Caucasus region hold in common. At the same time there are some differences
between the three countries (Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan) of the region –
Sepashvili Salome differences that come not only from their individual national mentality, but also from
Project Coordinator IFA-SC, Georgia
the cultural and historical peculiarities of each country.
Shahbazyan Aram
Film Director, Armenia Religious differences, which are often a very important factor and determinant
Shekoyan Evgenya for society and demographic differences, in this case are of very little importance.
Scripwriter, Film Director, Armenia Instead, the differences are political and social.
Shumakova Aliona
Producer, Italy

Sikharulidze David Which is your favourite film genre?

Boom Operator, Georgia

“My wish is for IFA-SC to bring

European culture - film production
and promotion – to the film sector
of South Caucasus and help
improve the unfavourable situation
in the field of cinema. It should
serve as an instrument that has
no effect on our vision, values and The most popular genre in the region is comedy (19%). People in the region also like
cultural peculiarities.” historical (11%) and action movies (10%).

Armen Chgnavoryan, Scriptwriter,

Armenia

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

 16

Silvanyan Hratch
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia,
Armenia

Solomanashvili Beso
Film Director, Georgia

Spurk Christoph
Planification Specialist, Switzerland

Steiner Dominique
Consultant in Organizational
Development, Switzerland

Suleymanova Vusala
Producer, Azerbaijan

Tadevosyan Anna
Film Director, Armenia

Tagiyev Teymur
Writer, Azerbaijan

Tanchik Igor
Translator, Georgia The main difference concerning genres in the region is that action movies are more
popular in Armenia (14%) and Azerbaijan (11%) than in Georgia (5%). In Georgia,
Tatishvili Tamara the most popular genre is comedy, and then comes melodrama (17%). In Azerbaijan,
Executive Director IFA-SC, Lawyer,
Georgia television serials are the second most popular genre (12.9% - Azerbaijan, 3.5% -
Yerevan, 2.5% - Tbilisi).
Tsatsashvili Valeri
Sound Engineer, Georgia

Tsaturyan Karen Which countries do your favourite films come from?

Sound Engineer, Armenia

Tsereteli Wato
Art Manager, Georgia

Tsetskladze Irakli
Film Director, Georgia

“I think the Avanti program The most popular films in the region after the national ones (31%) are American
played an important role in my (22%), followed by Russian (12%), French (8%), Old Soviet and Italian (7%), Indian
development: I understood what I (5%).
have to learn and how I can gain
the necessary experience. I am
happy that once, quite by chance,
I decided to apply for this program
with my script. If this had not
happened, I would indeed have
missed a lot.
It is very important to retain and
improve what we have jointly built
up during all these years.
The future is in our hands.
Viva IFA-SC !!”

Alina Abdullayeva, Film director,

Azerbaijan

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

 17

Tskhvediani George National, locally-produced films are most popular in Azerbaijan (38%), while in
Director/Writer, Georgia Armenia (24%) and Georgia (24%) they are second in popularity to American
Tsuladze Niko films.
Film Director, Georgia In Armenia, after national and American movies, the favourites are Russian (16%)
and old Soviet films (13%), in Azerbaijan – Russian (10%) and Indian (9%), and in
Urushadze Merab
Sound Engineer, Georgia Georgia – French (17%) and Russian (12%) movies.
Indian movies have the biggest audience in Azerbaijan 9%, while French films (17%)
Vahanyan Andranik have this distinction in Georgia.
Lawyer, Armenia

van Messel Esther

Sales Agent, Switzerland Would you like to see joint South Caucasian films?
Vandevorst Els
Producer, The Netherlands

Varazi Vakhtang
Film Director, Georgia

Vatinyan Mikayel
Film Director, Producer, Writer, Armenia

Volynkin Mr.
Embassy of the Russian Federation
Russia

Vouillamoz Raymond
Consultant on European TV Programs,
Switzerland

Wätli Sven
Journalist, Switzerland

Weber Michael The biggest interest in joint films is expressed by Azerbaijanians – 68%.
Sales Agent, Germany More than half of the South Caucasus audience ( 61%) expressed interest in joint
Georgian-Armenian-Azeri films.
Wehrlin Marc
Deputy Director, Federal Office for
Culture, Switzerland
Where do you prefer to watch films?
Wolschlager Ursula
Producer, Austria

Khugashvili Edik
IFA-SC Chauffeur, Georgian

Mshvidobadze Zura
IFA-SC Chauffeur, Georgia

Yeghiyan † Hrayr
Film Director, Armenia

Yersin Luc
Sound Engineer, Switzerland

Zahner Philippe
Deputy Head CIS Division - SDC
Programme Officer South Caucasus
Switzerland

Zakareishvili Tengo
Producer, Film Director, Georgia 63% of the region population prefers to see films on TV, 26% - at the cinema.
In Armenia and Azerbaijan, most people (Armenia - 55.2%, Azerbaijan – 82.0%)
Zamanov Ziya prefer to see movies on TV, while in Georgia they prefer to watch films at theatres
Producer, Azerbaijan
(58.8%).
Zanussi Krzysztof
Film Director, Poland II. Desk interviews (summary of main findings)
Zarian Aram
Producer, Armenia The in-depth interviews consisted of a thematic discussion held according to
previously prepared guidelines. The average interview lasted about 40-60 minutes.
Zhdanov Stanislav
Sound Engineer, Georgia
The interviews were held in different realms of cinematography and covered
Zullo Claude broadcasting companies, film production studios, festivals, cinemas and distribution
Eurasia Foundation

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

 18

companies (since no distribution companies were identified in the region, the survey
was extended to cover video/DVD shops instead). The guidelines, which were the
same for all three countries – Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia – included different
questions concerning various aspects of cinematography.

Festivals:
• Seven festivals are organized annually in the South Caucasus.
• Lack of funding is the main problem faced by festival organizers in Azerbaijan,
Georgia and Armenia.
• Tickets are never sold out in any of the countries.
• Publicity is achieved through the press, TV channels, , advertisements and
web information. There does not seem to be any concrete, strategic marketing or
promotional plan developed in advance, which is also a result of the lack of
funds.
• All three countries recognize the importance of festivals in such matters as
developing cinematography, making new contacts and contracts, developing
young professionals, making friends, and so on.
• There is very little interest in films from other South Caucasian countries, although
these are sometimes presented at the festivals (mostly Georgian).

Movie Theatres:
• Georgia: 4 theatres, 2011 seats, ticket price US$ 3-6
• Azerbaijan: 3 theatres, 1864 seats, ticket price US$ 3.5-7
• Armenia: 3 theatres, 1180 seats, ticket price US$ 1.4-4.20
• Ticket prices vary in different movie theatres in Azerbaijan, but not according
to genres or show times. The same can be said about Armenia. In Georgia, ticket
prices depend on the time for which a show is scheduled (evening shows are
more expensive) and on whether or not they are premieres.
• The quality of movie theatres varies from country to country.
• The concept of ratings is not clearly understood by the Armenian and Azerbaijan
movie theatre management, but they are applied in Georgia. Moreover, Georgians
base their movie theatre strategy on the results of audience surveys.

Broadcasting Companies (excluding Azerbaijan*):

“In 10 years’ time, IFA-SC will • In Armenia and Georgia, feature films have a very important role in the programming
be the most authoritative and policy of their channels. This is due to the higher level of advertisements that
respected organization in the films attract.
film sector of South Caucasus, • The TV channel strategy and policy is very clear only in Georgia. Channels in
representing the renaissance of Georgia and Armenia (with a less clear policy and strategy) try to present a mix
cinema in the three countries of genres. Serials are very popular in both countries.
connected with IFA-SC activities. • TV channels’ income in Georgia and Armenia comes mostly from
The IFA-SC founders will go down advertisements.
in the history of cinema of their • Because of the lack of funds, modern equipment, and qualified professionals,
countries and will continue to work movie screenings on TV channels in Armenia is problematic. This does not apply
successfully in their given field. We to Georgia.
all know their names. If anyone • National movies are very popular and have high ratings in Georgia, where the
is sceptical about this forecast, I policy of all of the networks tends to favour Georgian movies. This is not true in
suggest putting this message in a Armenia, despite the fact that it does have one network that focuses on
bottle of wonderful Georgian wine popularizing local movies.
(previously shared with our friends • In Armenia and Georgia, there are no local distribution companies and people in
from IFA-SC), burying it in a place both countries deal mostly with Russian distributors.
known only to Tako Tatishvili (she
can keep secrets) and opening it Production Studios:
10 years later. “The Faithless Will • Armenia: 4 major companies. Production: approx. 9 feature films and
Be Disgraced”, - as Zarathustra 8 documentaries a year.
said (by the way, he was our • Azerbaijan: 10 major companies. Production: approx. 8 feature films and
compatriot).” 43 documentaries a year.
• Georgia: 3 major companies. Production: approx. 10 feature films and
Ilgar Safat, Film director, Azerbaijan 4-5 documentaries a year.

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007

 19

• The lack of professionals, the lack of modern equipment and the lack of available
funds are common problems in Armenia and Azerbaijan. The situation is better in
Georgia (though it too lacks professionals), but some problems remain.
• The promotion of training is very important in the whole region of the South
Caucasus.
• The production of movies is most problematic when it comes to feature films.
In Azerbaijan and Armenia, more documentaries are produced, which is probably
because they require less money.
• The studios of all three countries cooperate with Russian professionals, and
there is a growing tendency to cooperate with foreign countries as well (mostly
in Georgia).

DVD/Video Shops:
• It is quite difficult to prioritize the genres or types of films sold. Generally speaking,
comedies, dramas, and blockbusters seem to be most in demand.
• Young people are mostly interested in buying/renting DVDs and videos.
• The respondents do not note any connection between price, demand and
supply.
• It is also impossible to get any answers concerning suppliers - this issue seems
to be secret.
• Most of the supplied DVDs/Videos are unlicensed illegal copies.

* The broadcasting companies approached in Azerbaijan were not willing to take

part in the interviews.

For any further information about

NEXT STEPS...
IFA-SC, or if you would like to be THE UPCOMING ACTIVITIES OF IFA-SC IN 2007 / 2008
included on its mailing list, please
contact one of the IFA-SC offices 2007

October
IFA-SC Main Office in Tbilisi • Training in ”Promotion of South Caucasian Films and Film Projects“,
Niko Nikoladze Street 1 follow-up workshop, Antalya Turkey
Third floor
Vera district November
Tbilisi, Georgia • Training in ”Creative Documentary Project Development“
Phone: + 995 32 93 12 50, Call for applications is now open. Deadline for application: 14. 09.07
+ 995 32 50 60 68 • Training in ”Project and Script Development of South Caucasian Films“,
ifasc@ifasc.org ge follow-up workshop

National IFA-SC Office in Armenia 2008

Grigor Lusavoritch 15
Yerevan, Armenia February
Phone: +374 10 54 71 08 • New training in ”Project and Script Development of South Caucasian Films“
yerevan@ifasc.org.ge Call for applications will be published in autumn 2007

IFA-SC Office in Azerbaijan Summer

F. Gurbanov Street 13/5 • Training in ”Project and Script Development of South Caucasian Films“,
Baku, Azerbaijan. follow-up workshop
Phone/Fax: +994 12 4916379
baku@ifasc.org.ge

www.ifasc.org.ge

Newsletter design
Goga Demetrashvili

AVA N T I N E W S L E TT E R no4, August 2007