site.btaBulgaria, Italy to Cooperate in Cinematographic and Audiovisual Co-Productions and Distribution

During his short working visit to Rome, Bulgaria’s Culture Minister Krastyu Krastev held a meeting with Cinecittà Studio President Chiara Sbarigia and producer Francesco Martino de Carles, his Ministry said on Monday. In the course of the discussions, the participants identified opportunities for Bulgaria and Italy to cooperate on cinematographic and audiovisual co-productions as well as their distribution in both countries. The different funding systems in Bulgaria and Italy were discussed, as well as the Italian experience in co-productions with other European countries. The participants in the meeting shared the view that this example could also be applied to the Bulgaria-Italy partnership. Krastev, Sbarigia, and de Carles highlighted both countries’ achievements in cinema and agreed that they should continue to develop projects together.

According to Krastev, Bulgaria needs a more comprehensive review of the legislation in this area. He said that it would be good to align the Film Industry Act with all the sub-legislation concerned and to consider the possibility of synchronisation between the Bulgarian and Italian legislation. Successful examples of Bulgarian-Italian co-productions were also mentioned.

Krastev attended the 16th Bulgarian Film Festival in Rome. A special guest at the event was Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova, who had a meet and greet with the audience.