Russia’s Yakutia invites Belarus to cooperate in film production

Yakutia, one of Russia's leaders in film production, offers Belarus cooperation in the area, Head of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) of Russia Aisen Nikolayev told the media following his meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on 30 September, BelTA has learned.

“For many people it may come as a surprise, but Yakutia is one of Russia’s most developed regions in terms of filmmaking. We rank third in Russia in film production behind Moscow and St. Petersburg. 25% of the awards won by Russia at all international film festivals last year came for films by Yakut filmmakers. We are continuing this work,” the head of the region explained.

“I am sure that we could do a lot of interesting joint projects together with our friends from Belarus. We are open for it,” he added.Many companies engaged in film and animation production are located in Yakutia. On the Russian president’s instructions, a full-cycle movie pavilion, the largest in Russia beyond the Urals, will be built in Yakutsk. “I am sure that our Belarusian friends can take the most active part in this and other projects,” Aysen Nikolayev said.

In his words, the region is ready to support other positive initiatives in the area of humanitarian cooperation, for example, healthcare and spa resort treatment. “The residents of Yakutia have a great interest in recreation in Belarus,” the head of the region said, expressing confidence that as members of the Union State, Belarus and Russia could intensify their efforts in this field.